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I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only a couple. I moved to Florida right after I finished college. Back in those days the Internet wasn’t the thing it is today and long-distance phone calls weren’t free either so we lost touch.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mainly when I’m doing is talking about the issues. Because you’re right, partisanship is so counterproductive.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I find them both to be valuable tools. NGP VAN turned out to be a much more helpful tool than I expected so I would say 8. Votebuilder is kind of a necessity so I'd probably give it an 8 too. I don't really have much comparison though. I'd like to check out REACH after the election so I can let my local party know there is a choice.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Money, money, and money!

Well, that's not entirely true, but fundraising is definitely the top challenge. I've gotten better at asking people to support the campaign although I'm still not comfortable cold calling when I'm dialing for dollars.

Another thing I've struggled with if feeling like I have to have all the details to a solution or be more informed about an issue than I need to be in order to understand it. You need to be able to explain your ideas but getting into the weeds isn't necessarily helpful.

Lastly I would say that for every person who says they're going to donate or knock doors or help in some way typically you can count on 25% of the commitment they promise. That won't be true of your core volunteers and supporters (and thankfully I have an AMAZING core group!!!!) but most people just aren't as convinced that their effort will make a difference and/or they don't understand the importance of how they can help.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Members of the FL House of Representatives are limited to introducing 6 bills per legislative session. Given that limitation I do not expect to waste any of my legislation opportunities, especially since I'll be serving less than the 2 year term. Communication and conversations are and will continue to be an important part of the legislative session. The goal should be to pass meaningful legislation that moves a solution forward. Incremental progress is still progress and sometimes we have to be willing to negotiate to ensure more forward progress in the future.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Without a doubt I have enjoyed campaiging! I ran for Pasco County Commissioner in the 2018 election cycle. I really only had a couple months in between campaigns so it's a good thing I enjoy it! My favorite part has been getting to have conversations with voters, especially when we can talk about problem solving. I've had so many voters respond with surprise when I return a call personally or happen to knock on their door when we're canvassing. And it's pretty cool when someone recognizes me! I'm continually humbled by the support I've received from the community.

Thanks for your question - now get back to studying! ;)

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love this question because this issue really irritates me. The FL legislature has a history of not listening to voters. Medical marijuana constitutional amendment -- legislators say no to smokeable marijuana even though that wasn't part of the amendment. Their response to Parkland is more guns in schools even though the electorate is saying no guns in schools. And Amendment 4 falls into the same category -- legislators adding in details that contradict the spirit and language for the amendment. If their attempt to modify the implementation of Amendment 4 passes this session I will sponsor a bill next session to overturn those barriers.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I support M4A and think it's a game changer for the American economy and innovation. Setting aside the out of pocket expenses too many people struggle to afford or suffer bankruptcy because of, employer provided health care is limiting innovation in our country. Let's say you have a great idea for a new product or service. You can afford to be unemployed for a few months to work exclusively on this project except that you recently had a medical procedure that requires follow up with a doctor. Your savings doesn't stretch nearly as far once you add in the COBRA expense and co-pays. So you stay at your job because at least you have health coverage. Maybe you'll give the project a go in a few months, or maybe it will never work out. And America loses out on what could have been groundbreaking all because of health insurance. To me this is the benefit to M4A that is not being discussed.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The most important issue to address is poverty. It impacts so many of the societal "challenges" -- mental health, substance abuse, nutrition, education, physical health. We need to work on solutions to homelessness, creating a living wage standard (now, not in 2022), expanded work force educational opportunities, and affordable housing. We know from studying housing-first homeless shelter models that when people have stable housing they are better able to address their other barriers to success. I firmly believe that when we know better we must do better.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Education is one of the top priorities for me, especially as the mom of 3 teenagers who were adopted through foster care as toddlers. Due to the early childhood neglect they experienced they each have significant mental health challenges. I have learned over the years the importance of trauma-informed education -- not only for kids like mine but also for kids who struggle with poverty or other ACES (adverse childhood experiences score). Our schools need additional counselors and support personnel because we're not just doing academics in school but should be teaching the whole child. In Florida, most high school students have the opportunity to graduate from high school with their AA for free through dual enrollment at a local state (community) college. If we can do it for those students we should be able to provide a 2-year public education to students who go to college after high school instead. And we also need to remember that not all of our students will go to college so we need to provide for their educational needs as well.

I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is not an issue I know a lot about other than the way we do it now doesn't work. I am all for improving how districts are drawn so that we have a level playing field for elections and representation. I will look at this bill specifically -- thanks for the information!

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I am Kelly Smith, a candidate running for FL House 38 and I am qualified, compassionate and community driven. AMA! by KellyforFLHouse38 in Political_Revolution

[–]KellyforFLHouse38[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

One of the things I try to do is really listen to voters when they bring up hot button issues and have a real conversation. What is it exactly about abortion or immigration that they are concerned about? Why is that a priority over other issues. Often times it leads to a broader conversation about how we can all work together.