Peter Schorsch
More than 300 candidates are running for the 160 seats in the Florida House and Senate. And, try as we will, FloridaPolitics.com won’t be able to interview all of them.
So we are asking every candidate, including incumbents, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email [email protected].
Today’s candidate spotlight features David Kearns, Democratic candidate for Florida’s House District 53, covering all of South Brevard County.
Here is Kearns in his own words:
Significant other? Kids?
Wife Donna Kearns. Kids Fiona, Emily and Sean. Fiona Ph.D. candidate USF chemistry. Emily USF graduate, BS international studies.
Education background? Professional background?
BS Geological oceanography, Florida Tech Melbourne. U.S. Peace Corps Honduras (88-90) newspaper reporter, Sebastian Sun, Press-Journal Scripps Howard, Gannett Florida Today. Teacher Brevard Schools Florida Air Academy, currently REALTOR Century 21 Indian River.
What was your first job?
Ticket and concession at movie theater, Roswell Georgia.
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
In 2010 state government went on the warpath against teachers, students, and parents to cover up Wall Street guilt. Republicans drew first blood. That’s where this started.
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?
Bill Rettinger, state committeeman, DEC.
Who do you count on for advice?
My wife, Donna, a nurse who is just as pissed off as I am.
Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?
My wife, Donna.
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?
Bonnie French of Palm Bay. A former teacher, who is also angry at state and local government. She gave me $25.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
Rep. Mia Jones. Watching her submit and defend FHIX 2.0, my wife and I watched in the gallery, was an example of stalwart courage and statesmanship. Sen. Darren Soto for pushing a ban on fracking, because it has to get done. These are the freshest cases of courage and leadership in my mind.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about
it?
The system whereby sitting state reps and senators also run PACs. Not their campaign funds but actual superpacs. That’s a horrid state of affairs. People mistrust it because while it is occurring the legislator could give a ripe damn what the actual humans in their district want or need. There should be a law preventing this situation. I would introduce legislation to that effect.
What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say
education or “improving the schools”)
Alternative energy is a must to spur this new economy. THIS is where the budget answers are for roads, schools etc. The savings and job creation potential are staggering. We simply MUST MUST MUST capture this new market, this revolution.
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e., ride-sharing) you are interested in?
This might not be the answer you seek. Fracking. We must ban it. Ban this activity at all costs. This represents an existential threat to our already endangered waters. And the lobbyists are pressing back, and they are coming back to push SB 318 on us again.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
Money for septic refit, sewage treatment, roads roads roads; and money for PUBLIC education.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
Bob Graham. Bob made every Floridian feel that he was one of them. Bob did not wilt from tough issues he tackled them and gave you a sense you were part of the process.
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
We have to go back and change the error in the Bush years that placed the Secretary of State under the governor as an appointee. He or she should be duly-elected to remove the taint and shenanigans of partisanship from our elections systems. That is an immediate must. We have to get these elections right first.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
Yes. They are. Unfortunately, people still place too much value in these rather than digging deeper.
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
I go to my local Gannett Florida Today to see what has happened at school board, city council or county commission. Then I check the state papers and of course SaintPetersBlog is high on that list.
Where do you get your political news?
St. Pete Times, Miami Herald, SaintPetersBlog, Florida Today, Tallahassee Democrat, Sunshine State News, Sayfie on Twitter, Sharktank, Huffington Post, MSNBC, CNN.
Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?
Hillary Clinton.
60 Minutes or House of Cards?
House of Cards.
Social media presence? Twitter handle?
@Davez_not_here
facebook.com/DavidKearns4District53
In 140 characters, what’s a tweet that best describes your campaign message?
#PeopleFirst #reversecourse on the #Rickscott broken agenda. #ilovemystateandwillfightforit
Hobbies?
SCUBA, lobstering, fishing, surfing.
Favorite sport and sports teams?
Orlando City soccer. Jacksonville Jaguars football.
