Florida House of Representatives District 8: A voter's guide to the 2022 general election
Type of race: Partisan
Who can vote: All registered voters in House District 8
What's next: The winner will take office during the Legislature's organizational session Nov. 22.
How much does this position pay: $18,000 a year
Campaign coverage
House District 8 forum: Curt Bender and Gallop Franklin engage in sharp yet civil debate
'Recklessness': Rep. Ramon Alexander apologizes amid sexting, harassment allegations
Candidates
Curt Bender
Party: Republican
Age: 32
Profession: Florist at Bouquets by Bender and business law attorney at Bender Legal.
Qualifications: Servant leader, entrepreneur, business law attorney, mentor
Website: Bendercampaign.com
Column from the candidate: I will stand up for Democrats, Independents, and NPAs in Florida’s Legislature | Curt Bender
Q: How would you govern differently than your opponent?
A: I will lead differently than my opponent because my approach is different — I am outcome-focused, while I believe my opponent to be output-focused. For example, I don’t have a single “platform” — I have goals and plans backed by proven strategies. It’s obvious to me, and it’ll be apparent to you, too, if you study my campaign website, bendercampaign.com, then compare it to my opponent’s website. I jotted down some step-by-step plans backed by demonstrated, multidisciplinary experience that drives outcome-based results. I don’t place myself or ideas on a “platform;” I demand constituent participation as reflected in my 50/50 promise.
Q: What needs to be done to address the string of deadly drug overdoses in Gadsden County?
A: First, understand the issue: the overdoses result from “adulterated” illicit drugs, primarily opioids. As one of three (often two) attorneys that regulated every prescription drug manufacturer and distributor in Florida, I wield pinpoint experience prosecuting persons who manufacture and distribute drugs. Then, a solution: identify the drugs by “batches” and their producers. As a member of a sheriff’s advisory council, I have connected law enforcement to bleeding-edge, existing technology to help them batch and track adulterated drugs. Understanding the cause, products, and source of the overdoses helps get the bad drugs and their manufacturers and distributors off the streets.
►► The ultimate Leon County, Tallahassee voter's guide to the 2022 general election
Gallop Franklin
Party: Democrat
Age: 34
Profession: Pharmacist, university professor, entrepreneur
Qualifications: Former member of the FAMU Board of Trustees and Florida Board of Governors; Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare pharmacist; assistant professor at the FAMU College of Pharmacy
Website: Gallopfranklin.org
Column from the candidate: Families of opioid overdose victims must be included in identifying solutions.
Q: How would you govern differently than your opponent?
A: I am running to serve this regional community. I am not running against another candidate; we are just applying for the same job. If elected I would like to govern with an inclusive leadership style that engages the community to find solutions for the issues that we all are facing. I would like to be a partner to local municipalities, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and neighborhoods. My role will be to pass policy as well as bring home funding that can spur economic growth, provide access to quality healthcare, allow for investments in education, and support state employees.
Q: What needs to be done to address the string of deadly drug overdoses in Gadsden County?
A: I am asking to serve this regional community. If elected I would govern with an inclusive leadership style that engages the community to find solutions for the issues that we all are facing. I would be a partner to local municipalities, non-profit organizations, small businesses and neighborhoods. My role will be to legislate policy as well as bring home funding that can spur economic growth, provide access to quality healthcare, promote investments in education and support state employees. Drug overdoses have been plaguing our communities.
►► The ultimate Leon County, Tallahassee voter's guide to the 2022 general election
Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Election 2022: Florida House, District 8: A voter's guide
