I had a chance to talk to District 19 Florida State Representative candidates Katherine Van Zant, Bobby Payne and Leslie Dougher about their campaigns in an effort to bring awareness to voters who may not know much about them.
Many voters do not know enough about candidates before they go to the voting booth. This interview series is an effort to change that. I asked all candidates the same questions and listed their responses after each question below.Shark Tank: Currently there is a bill that would crack down on sanctuary cities (HB 675) in the State of Florida and a bill that would increase penalties for people who defy deportation orders (HB 9). Do you agree with the bill?
Van Zant: Yes, we cannot allow local governments to turn a blind eye to those breaking our laws.
Do you think the 2nd Amendment will be destroyed by the Biden Administration?(2)
Payne: I strongly agree with these bills because our nation was founded on the rule of law. Our elected officials take sworn oaths of office to defend the Constitution. To fight illegal immigration, which is a law-breaking activity that undermines our republic, we need government officials at all levels to uphold their oaths and work together to execute our laws and defend our borders in the name of economic prosperity and domestic security. Enough is enough. Americans are sick of the political do-nothing double-talk and want action. If elected to the Legislature, I will be an advocate for ending illegal immigration.
Dougher: Absolutely. In fact, I don’t think these bills go far enough and when I’m elected, I’m going to fight to ensure we enact legislation that doesn’t allow safe havens for criminals. Sanctuary cities overburden our law enforcement, and I am committed to ensuring that our local law enforcement has the proper training and resources they need to keep Florida families safe.
Shark Tank: Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling that the death penalty in the State of Florida is unconstitutional? Also, if elected would you work to change the law so the state could use the death penalty again?Van Zant: I do not agree with the Supreme Court, and yes I support changing the law to reinstate the death penalty here in Florida.
Payne: Yes, I believe strongly that the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for murderers who take the life of another and deprive the decedent’s family of the joy of their earthly life and love together. I understand that a death penalty verdict must be taken very seriously by the courts, but it is clear to me that our courts are much more concerned for defendants’ rights than victims’ rights. Historically, executions have taken much too long to complete, wounding victims’ families over and over again. If elected, I will to do what is necessary to make the death penalty legal and timely.
Dougher: The Supreme Court did not rule that the death penalty is unconstitutional. The Court ruled that a judge cannot hold a separate hearing to determine if there is a sufficient circumstance to impose the death penalty. When I’m elected, I will uphold the Sixth Amendment and work to ensure that individuals cannot find loop holes around the current laws to pass their own agenda.
Shark Tank: Same sex couples in the State of Florida are suing because they want to be on the birth certificate of their child. Do you think they should be allowed to? Why or why not?
Van Zant: I was disappointed the federal courts overturned the will of Florida’s voters and allowed same sex marriage in our state. With that said, the courts have made it clear where they stand and a lengthy fight in court will only burn through taxpayer money with no likelihood for success. We need to save our money and support leaders who will appoint Judges who will actually follow our Constitution, only then can we readdress many of these important issues.Payne: This issue must really be seen in the larger context of the issue of same sex marriage. I believe our U.S. Supreme Court erred when it legalized gay marriage in America. I realize that my answer may be controversial, and some people may be offended, but I believe our society is engaged in too much social engineering and straying too far from the Judeo-Christian principles that our country was founded upon. Except in rare instances, I believe that every child should be guaranteed the right to know his or her mother and father. As an outgrowth of that belief, birth certificates should continue to identify the mother and father of each child.
Dougher: The birth certificate of all children is a legal record of who the biological mother and father are. Regardless of future family structure changes, it does not change the biological facts of the father and mother that created the child in which the birth certificate is issued.
Shark Tank: Do you support open carry? Why or why not?
Van Zant: Yes, I am a strong supporter of open carry because it strengthens our Second Amendment rights. Florida is one of only five states and the District of Columbia that prohibit the open carrying of handguns altogether.
Dougher: Yes. The constitution guarantees a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. The newest gun regulations will not stop terrorist events, but rather make it more difficult for law abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families.
Shark Tank: Do you think additional Syrian refugees should be allowed in the state? Please elaborate as to why you feel that way.
Van Zant: Additional Syrian refugees should not be allowed in Florida, because this administration has not proven that it can protect against terrorists infiltrating the refugees and endangering our communities.
Payne: As a Christian, I feel for the plight of these individuals fleeing a violent civil war in their own country. However, the dispersing of Syrian refugees to the United States and around the world is the wrong answer. I support Governor Scott’s decision not to open Florida’s border. Though this is largely a federal issue, I believe President Obama should help Syria’s neighbors care for these refugees in places close to their home and work to end the war so these Syrian citizens can return to rebuild their own country. The United States has too many economically distressed areas, like many parts of my district, that we need to keep the focus on.
Legal immigration with proper screening and background checks must be in place before we allow any immigrants, Syrian or otherwise in enter into the United States. Safety for our citizen is first and foremost by ensuring our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to keep Florida families safe.
If you want to learn more about the candidates or reach out to their campaign, there websites are as follows:
Katherine Van Zant: http://katherinevanzant.com/
Bobby Payne: http://www.bobbypayne.net/
Leslie Dougher: http://www.lesliedougher.com/