Meet Adam Morley, Democrat running for HD 24

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 them all.

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, please email [email protected].

Today’s candidate spotlight features Adam Morley, a Democrat running for House District 24.

Here is Morley in his own words:

Significant other? Kids?

My wife is Janine, and we have a 1-year-old named Elon (after Elon Musk).

Education background? Professional background?

After graduating high school, I became a U.S. Coast Guard licensed-to-captain. I now hold my 50-ton Master’s license and work as an environmental educator with St. Augustine Ecotours. In 2008 I started a private recycling company and sold it last year. I am also a partner in Custom Solar and Electric.

I currently serve on the board of three nonprofits and served as president on another.

What was your first job?

Bellhop at age 14 for a local hotel.

In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?

I want to see transparent, accurate and honest representation of my district, to lead by example, and help restore civility in politics.

Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?

No, I’m a self-starter. I decided to run and was then connected to the local DECs in my district during the special election last year for this same seat. I’ve stayed connected since. Before connecting with my local DEC I received encouragement from friends in the community.

Who do you count on for advice?

Depends on the topic, but I enjoy doing my own research and seeking out experts in the field for their input. Other than that, my mother is still a solid go-to for advice.

Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?

I use community consulting, and Ashlee Raven keeps up with my scheduling and events.

Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?

Not counting myself, the first person in this election cycle was my Facebook friend Kendall. She and I had not met yet at that point, but we had worked together via our social media networks to protect Princess Place Preserve, a place I was lucky enough to have lived as a child, from a proposed plan that would have had a negative impact on the Preserve.

Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?

Government, state or otherwise, is not someplace I look for inspiration.

Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?

I think it’s the trail of money, the hypocrisy, and elected officials blatantly ignoring the will of the voters. My plan is to be the change, run a people-funded campaign, be consistent, and do my best to represent my district.

What are three issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools”)

— Campaign Reform including finance.

— State Energy Policy.

— Environment

What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e., ride-sharing) you are interested in?

Legalizing marijuana.

What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?

A representative who works hard for the district even when the voters aren’t watching.

Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?

Bob Graham with his eight-hour work days in different Florida work environments.

If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?

SECTION 15. Terms and qualifications of legislators. I would amend “… shall have resided in the state for a period of two years prior to election” to “… shall have resided in the district they seek to represent for a period of two years prior to election.”

— End the “write-in loophole” that closes off primaries to voters.

Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?

No, we are trying to run a waste-free campaign that focuses on new campaigning methods.

What’s the first thing you read each morning?

Emails: Sunburn, Victory Florida.

Where do you get your political news?

Online at FlaglerLive.com or Florida Politics.

Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?

HRC.

60 Minutes or House of Cards?

I don’t watch TV, but I’ve enjoyed the few episodes of House of Cards I’ve seen.

Social media presence? Twitter handle?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adam-Morley-for-Florida-House-24-941960422500250/

Twitter: @CaptMorley

In 140 characters, what’s a tweet that best describes your campaign message?

Never give up, never surrender!

Hobbies?

Swing dancing, waterway litter cleanups, surfing, fishing, boating, leading by example.

Favorite sport and sports team?

Politics. The Dems.