Issues
Constitution/Tenth Amendment
President Barack Obama, by a likely unconstitutional executive order, put in action his National Ocean Policy which infringes upon state sovereignty and gives control over Florida's waterways to federal bureaucrats. This act harms commercial and recreational fishermen and boaters, and will have a negative impact on the economy of the First Coast and all of Florida. Floridians know what is best for Florida. Strong leadership is needed in Tallahassee that understands the Constitution and is willing to defend state prerogatives by using the Tenth Amendment to stop federal overreach.
Obamacare Supreme Court Ruling
Having read all 193 pages of the Supreme Court Ruling, I can state unequivocally that Chief Justice Roberts got it wrong. The first duty of the Supreme Court is to defend the Constitution, not re-write the statute to make it "constitutional." I agree with the dissenting opinion authored by Justice Scalia that the entire law should have been stricken as unconstitutional. Healthcare comprises 43% of Florida's entire budget and is the single largest budgetary item. Now that Obamacare remains the law of the land until repealed, the states are left to deal with it. I agree with Governor Scott that Florida should not implement the medicaid expansion contained in Obamacare because it is bad policy and will increase business expenses and regulations. The fight over Obamacare is not over and strong leaders with an intimate knowledge of the Constitution are needed in Tallahassee to resist Federal encroachment on state sovereignty. My background in constitutional law and advising businesses on healthcare related matters makes me the most qualified candidate to address this vital issue.
Veterans
Veterans returning from the wars face numerous challenges including post traumatic stress. I support implementation of a statewide system for identifying veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system, but would be better served through diversion to a trauma informed system. As a state, we should defend those who defend us and not turn patriots into criminals.
Fundamental Rights
One of the bedrock principles of our free market system is the right to contract. Despite this right, Florida currently has a law on the books that prohibits competent individuals from entering into valid contracts. Any law that expressly prohibits the right to contract is unconstitutional and should be repealed.
Excessive Business Regulation
In 2011, The Florida Legislature voted on a bill to end licensing requirements for twenty professions. The attempt failed. The Constitution protects the individual’s right to earn a living free from unreasonable regulations. In order to unleash this burden on opportunity, the bill should be brought back for consideration.
Charter Schools
Charter schools provide parents and students valuable options and allow creative approaches to meeting the educational needs of our children. I support charter schools, but do not support the expansion of the the allocation of construction dollars for charter school facilities.
Ethics
No one may serve in the Legislature and also receive a salary from an entity that is a budget item in the GAA. Senator John Thrasher tried to pass a bill that would prohibit the employment of legislators at colleges, but there are many others. Water management districts, school boards, state attorney's office, and hospitals are some examples. You should not be on the payroll of an entity that can use you as, in essence, a paid lobbyist.