Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
There are more than 300 candidates 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 Byron Donalds, a Republican running for House District 80.
Here he is in his own words:
Significant other? Kids?
I have been married to Erika Donalds for 13 years. Our kids are Damon (12), Darin (8), and Mason (5).
Education background? Professional background?
I have bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Marketing from Florida State University. My 13-year professional career has been spent in commercial banking, insurance, and financial services. I am currently a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors.
What was your first job?
My first job out of college was as a bank teller for TIB Bank of the Keys. My trainer was good friends with the chief credit officer. He recommended to the CCO that I should be transferred to credit analysis.
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
I want to ensure that Florida remains the best destination for Americans seeking an outstanding quality of life, through educational opportunities and a dynamic economy.
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?
I didn’t speak with any officials in the Republican Party before deciding to run. That was a personal decision between my wife and I.
Who do you count on for advice?
As far as the Legislature is concerned, I would go to Dudley Goodlette for advice. Dudley and I don’t agree on everything, but I know I will get a straight answer.
Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?
My political consultant is Frank Terraferma. My campaign manager is Cameron Lewis.
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?
Scott Jaeger. Scott supported me when I ran for U.S. House District 19. He truly believes I can make a difference.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
There are good public officials, but I don’t look to them for inspiration.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?
People mistrust elected officials because they will say anything to get elected and do anything to stay elected. I pride myself on being consistent with my views, and letting the voters decide if they want to support my ideas.
What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools”)
1) I want to reform funding in education. I think the money should follow the child wherever the parents feel is the best educational environment. 2) District 80 will be in need of transportation expansion because of our tremendous growth. My background in commercial banking makes me uniquely qualified to lead in that area. 3) Medicaid is 35 percent of the state’s budget and growing, I want to use my financial background to help create solutions to improve access and control costs.
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in?
I want educational dollars to follow the child to any school.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
Two things: 1) Funding for transportation expansion and construction. 2) Continued support for citrus greening and canker research.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
Jeb Bush. Love them or hate them, his reforms in education have laid the foundation for our state to lead the nation in educational improvements.
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
Reversing the class-size amendment in article IX. It has placed many budgetary pressures on our school districts, and the studies have shown class size has little-to-no bearing on educational achievement. The Constitution Revision Commission will be formed in 2017-2018, so I’m going to be watching the initial recommendations very closely.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
Yard signs are not a big part of the campaign. The geographic area incredibly large. We focused more on large campaign signs.
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
Sometimes it’s the Bible. Sometimes it’s going through my email and looking at Sunburn or Marc Caputo’s email.
Where do you get your political news?
Real Clear Politics, Florida Politics, Drudge report, Hotair.com, and MSNBC. I watch it to get the left’s viewpoint on the political issues of the day. I don’t watch much Fox News.
Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?
Crystal ball …
60 Minutes or House of Cards?
House of Cards … not even close.
Social media presence? Twitter handle?
We do have a strong social media presence. Facebook.com/byrondonalds. My twitter handle is @byrondonalds
In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message? @ByronDonalds is a proven leader and businessman, looking to bring Conservative Leadership to protect Florida’s Future!
Hobbies?
Basketball and movies.
Favorite sport and sports team?
Basketball and the LA Lakers.
