WHAT I BELIEVEBY BARBARA BYRAM
We live in a democratic republic, which means voters should be an active part of the governing process. Voters should be choosing representatives who will listen to them when it comes time to pass or reject proposed legislation. That is how democracy works.
Too often, especially at the state legislative level, we choose a representative who says all the right things while campaigning but, once elected, disappears from sight until the next election cycle. Our representatives offer voters no information on what's happening in chambers, or what legislation has even been proposed for the legislative session. And those voters who try to keep track of what's going on during a legislative session find little more than a mountain of confusion.
Too often, especially at the state legislative level, we choose a representative who says all the right things while campaigning but, once elected, disappears from sight until the next election cycle. Our representatives offer voters no information on what's happening in chambers, or what legislation has even been proposed for the legislative session. And those voters who try to keep track of what's going on during a legislative session find little more than a mountain of confusion.
I believe in:
Being responsible to the people in my district;
Maintaining open communication with the people so they know what's going on and I know how they feel;
Making sure my communication is honest and without any hidden personal bias;
Ensuring that voters understand all of the facts surrounding a piece of legislation; and
Ensuring that I understand why voters want me to take a particular stance on a piece of legislation.
I believe too many proposed bills do not specifically address a problem; they address only a symptom of a larger problem. Many times, passage of such legislation does nothing to change the situation. The time involved in filing, processing, hearing, and passing those bills, therefore, is a waste of taxpayer money. I will neither propose nor vote for any legislation of this type.
I believe the good of the community should outweigh any benefits going to an industry or business. When the choice is clearly one over the other, I will put community first. If the choice can be crafted into something that benefits both equally, I will work diligently to make it happen.
Finally I believe we, as a state, are facing some very tough choices now and over the next several years due to the effects of the pandemic and its consequent toll on our economy. It will be up to legislators to get creative in initiating ways to bring our economy back up to full speed without sacrificing the future of the people. Yes, Florida is a balanced budget state, but I do not believe in putting profits over people's lives.
Paid political announcement.
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