State Senate | District 19, Democrats
Three prominent black lawmakers, along with one political newcomer, will vie for Arthenia Joyner's state Senate seat.
About the job: Senate District 19 once covered portions of three counties, but has now narrowed to Pinellas and Hillsborough. State senators serve four-year terms and are paid $29,697 a year.
Edwin "Ed" Narain
Profession:
Regional Director, AT&T
Regional Director, AT&T
About the candidate:
Narain, 39, represents House District 61 in Tampa. The first-term representative fought against the expanded Stand Your Ground law and secured funding for reburial of the remains of children found at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.
Narain, 39, represents House District 61 in Tampa. The first-term representative fought against the expanded Stand Your Ground law and secured funding for reburial of the remains of children found at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.
Education:
He earned a bachelor's in psychology and an MBA from Saint Leo University. He earned his law degree from Stetson University in 2013.
He earned a bachelor's in psychology and an MBA from Saint Leo University. He earned his law degree from Stetson University in 2013.
Are you in favor of legalizing medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions?
"Yes, I am in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. People who are suffering from debilitating medical conditions should be allowed to get relief when under a doctor's supervision. Medical marijuana is safer than opioids and other narcotics that are used to treat pain. The Amendment 2 language is better and would limit access to minors. I supported the 'Right to Try' act because people should have options when it comes to their health and life."
"Yes, I am in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. People who are suffering from debilitating medical conditions should be allowed to get relief when under a doctor's supervision. Medical marijuana is safer than opioids and other narcotics that are used to treat pain. The Amendment 2 language is better and would limit access to minors. I supported the 'Right to Try' act because people should have options when it comes to their health and life."
Are you in favor of stricter gun control measures and if so, why?
"I believe we need stricter gun control laws. The increase in gun violence around the country is alarming. No one should be able to purchase a military style assault rifle. We need to enforce the 'No Fly, No Buy' restrictions, require a permit for owning a weapon and close the private seller sales loophole. I will continue to oppose Open Carry, Campus Carry and work to repeal the Stand Your Ground law."
"I believe we need stricter gun control laws. The increase in gun violence around the country is alarming. No one should be able to purchase a military style assault rifle. We need to enforce the 'No Fly, No Buy' restrictions, require a permit for owning a weapon and close the private seller sales loophole. I will continue to oppose Open Carry, Campus Carry and work to repeal the Stand Your Ground law."
As a toxic algae bloom chokes several state waterways, how should the state respond and who do you believe is to blame?
"Florida's refusal to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Act standards is to blame. The state should adopt the EPA's nutrient limitations for water, properly institute the 2014 Amendment 1 language to purchase more land, put an aggressive plan in place to completely replace the septic systems in homes surrounding Lake Okeechobee by 2026 and restore the money for environmental enforcement statewide."
"Florida's refusal to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Act standards is to blame. The state should adopt the EPA's nutrient limitations for water, properly institute the 2014 Amendment 1 language to purchase more land, put an aggressive plan in place to completely replace the septic systems in homes surrounding Lake Okeechobee by 2026 and restore the money for environmental enforcement statewide."
Assets/liabilities/income:
Assets: Home, rental property, retirement Liabilities: mortgage, car loan Income: $79,287 AT&T, $27,537 state representative
Assets: Home, rental property, retirement Liabilities: mortgage, car loan Income: $79,287 AT&T, $27,537 state representative
Personal:
Married to Monica Narain, a public school teacher, with two kids, ages 7 and 4.
Married to Monica Narain, a public school teacher, with two kids, ages 7 and 4.
Campaign fundraising:
Contributions: $234,403 Expenditures: $187,715
Contributions: $234,403 Expenditures: $187,715
On the web:
www.edforflorida.com; edwin.narain@gmail.com; @EdNarain
www.edforflorida.com; edwin.narain@gmail.com; @EdNarain
Betty Reed
Profession:
Former state representative
Former state representative
About the candidate:
Reed, 75, served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives representing District 61 in Tampa, focusing on education and health care. Prior to her time in office, she was the director of career services for Remington College and director of financial aid services for Education of America.
Reed, 75, served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives representing District 61 in Tampa, focusing on education and health care. Prior to her time in office, she was the director of career services for Remington College and director of financial aid services for Education of America.
Education:
She earned an associates degree from Hillsborough Community College and a bachelor's degree from National-Louis University in 1998.
She earned an associates degree from Hillsborough Community College and a bachelor's degree from National-Louis University in 1998.
Are you in favor of legalizing medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions?
"Yes in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. Don't feel anyone should suffer when there is medical treatment available.
"Yes in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. Don't feel anyone should suffer when there is medical treatment available.
Are you in favor of stricter gun control measures and if so, why?
In favor of stricter gun control measures, background checks should be done with a waiting period. All assault weapons should be banned from being given to an average citizen.
In favor of stricter gun control measures, background checks should be done with a waiting period. All assault weapons should be banned from being given to an average citizen.
As a toxic algae bloom chokes several state waterways, how should the state respond and who do you believe is to blame?
"The blooms should be removed and the area cleaned and the state should fine anyone that dumps in our lakes or rivers and make them clean the spill up."
"The blooms should be removed and the area cleaned and the state should fine anyone that dumps in our lakes or rivers and make them clean the spill up."
Assets/liabilities/income:
Assets: home, property, employee benefits Liabilities: mortgage, student loan Income: $19,200 Social Security, $13,200 state pension
Assets: home, property, employee benefits Liabilities: mortgage, student loan Income: $19,200 Social Security, $13,200 state pension
Personal:
Married with five adult children and 13 grandchildren.
Married with five adult children and 13 grandchildren.
Campaign fundraising:
Contributions: $ 31,507 Expenditures: $ 12,109
Contributions: $ 31,507 Expenditures: $ 12,109
On the web:
www.votebettyreed.com bettyreed2015@verizon.net
www.votebettyreed.com bettyreed2015@verizon.net
Augie Ribeiro
Profession:
Lawyer
Lawyer
About the candidate:
Ribeiro, 52, was the last candidate to enter the race this summer. The lawyer is known for his work on the BP oil spill settlement and representing individuals against pharmaceutical companies. He wants to address issues with the utility companies and expand Medicaid.
Ribeiro, 52, was the last candidate to enter the race this summer. The lawyer is known for his work on the BP oil spill settlement and representing individuals against pharmaceutical companies. He wants to address issues with the utility companies and expand Medicaid.
Education:
He graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BA in government and earned his law degree from New York Law School.
He graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BA in government and earned his law degree from New York Law School.
Are you in favor of legalizing medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions?
"I support Amendment 2 and United for Care's efforts to grant access to medical marijuana to thousands of seriously debilitated patients with Cancer, MS, Epilepsy, PTSD, crippling pain, and more with a physician's recommendation. 25 other states (plus DC) have allowed it and the science is there. Where it's allowed, it has also been shown to reduce opioid-related deaths. I believe Amendment 2 will pass in November."
"I support Amendment 2 and United for Care's efforts to grant access to medical marijuana to thousands of seriously debilitated patients with Cancer, MS, Epilepsy, PTSD, crippling pain, and more with a physician's recommendation. 25 other states (plus DC) have allowed it and the science is there. Where it's allowed, it has also been shown to reduce opioid-related deaths. I believe Amendment 2 will pass in November."
Are you in favor of stricter gun control measures and if so, why?
"I am strongly in favor of closing the gun show loopholes, 'no fly, no buy,' and restricting perpetrators of violent misdemeanors or individuals convicted of domestic violence from purchasing firearms. Common sense laws like requiring criminal background checks before purchase—for everyone—are a must. Florida has some of the loosest gun regulations in the nation... The NRA has a stranglehold on Tallahassee, where even Democrats are voting with them. I won't be one of them."
"I am strongly in favor of closing the gun show loopholes, 'no fly, no buy,' and restricting perpetrators of violent misdemeanors or individuals convicted of domestic violence from purchasing firearms. Common sense laws like requiring criminal background checks before purchase—for everyone—are a must. Florida has some of the loosest gun regulations in the nation... The NRA has a stranglehold on Tallahassee, where even Democrats are voting with them. I won't be one of them."
As a toxic algae bloom chokes several state waterways, how should the state respond and who do you believe is to blame?
"As long as the Republican party – and Rick Scott in particular – deny the very real solutions being proposed, we will never resolve this. Voters supported an amendment to buy badly needed land for environmental protection.However the GOP has diverted that money to other priorities... We must work with the water management districts to buy strategic lands ...to restore more of the natural flow of the Lake and do so in a way that does not destroy the communities ...(and) ensures we do not dump toxic waters directly into the Everglades."
"As long as the Republican party – and Rick Scott in particular – deny the very real solutions being proposed, we will never resolve this. Voters supported an amendment to buy badly needed land for environmental protection.However the GOP has diverted that money to other priorities... We must work with the water management districts to buy strategic lands ...to restore more of the natural flow of the Lake and do so in a way that does not destroy the communities ...(and) ensures we do not dump toxic waters directly into the Everglades."
Assets/liabilities/income:
Assets: Multiple properties,brokerage accounts Liabilities: Two mortgages Income: $1.8 million salary at Ventura & Ribeiro LLC, $1.4 million real estate rentals, $1.3 million capital gains
Assets: Multiple properties,brokerage accounts Liabilities: Two mortgages Income: $1.8 million salary at Ventura & Ribeiro LLC, $1.4 million real estate rentals, $1.3 million capital gains
Personal:
Married with two kids, ages 6 and 7.
Married with two kids, ages 6 and 7.
Campaign fundraising:
Contributions: $551,251 Expenditures: $473,467
Contributions: $551,251 Expenditures: $473,467
On the web:
campaign@voteaugie.com, www.voteaugie.com, @AugieRibeiro
campaign@voteaugie.com, www.voteaugie.com, @AugieRibeiro
Darryl Rouson
Profession:
Lawyer
Lawyer
About the candidate:
Rouson, 61, reached his term limit in the Florida House District 70 seat after serving eight years. He touts his bill that limited shooting rights on residential property and supports school vouchers.
Rouson, 61, reached his term limit in the Florida House District 70 seat after serving eight years. He touts his bill that limited shooting rights on residential property and supports school vouchers.
Education:
He earned his bachelors from Xavier University and his law degree from the University of Florida.
He earned his bachelors from Xavier University and his law degree from the University of Florida.
Are you in favor of legalizing medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions?
"I support legalizing medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions. We must be certain that the medical marijuana is truly helpful for the person with the debilitating condition, has been verified by state standards, and prescribed by a physician. If some relief can be given to a patient with medical marijuana, who are we to try to take that away from them."
"I support legalizing medical marijuana for those with debilitating conditions. We must be certain that the medical marijuana is truly helpful for the person with the debilitating condition, has been verified by state standards, and prescribed by a physician. If some relief can be given to a patient with medical marijuana, who are we to try to take that away from them."
Are you in favor of stricter gun control measures and if so, why?
"I am in favor of stricter gun control measures. I was the first representative to pass gun control legislation in Florida since 1987, and I will continue to fight the gun lobby. Our next move should be to ban suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms."
"I am in favor of stricter gun control measures. I was the first representative to pass gun control legislation in Florida since 1987, and I will continue to fight the gun lobby. Our next move should be to ban suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms."
As a toxic algae bloom chokes several state waterways, how should the state respond and who do you believe is to blame?
"Governor Scott and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are responsible for the algae problem our state faces. We must decrease acceptable levels of pollution from fertilizer sewage and manure so that water quality will increase, which will help prevent further algae blooms."
"Governor Scott and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are responsible for the algae problem our state faces. We must decrease acceptable levels of pollution from fertilizer sewage and manure so that water quality will increase, which will help prevent further algae blooms."
Assets/liabilities/income:
Assets: Stocks, property Liabilities: Mortgages, loans Income: $200,000 Dolman Law Group, $29,697 state representative, $10,000 Rouson & Associates, $10,000 SN Holtzman, LLC
Assets: Stocks, property Liabilities: Mortgages, loans Income: $200,000 Dolman Law Group, $29,697 state representative, $10,000 Rouson & Associates, $10,000 SN Holtzman, LLC
Personal:
Married to Angela Holmes Rouson, eight children. The youngest is 10.
Married to Angela Holmes Rouson, eight children. The youngest is 10.
Campaign fundraising:
Contributions: $138,933 Expenditures: $95,677
Contributions: $138,933 Expenditures: $95,677
On the web:
www.darrylrouson.com; voterouson@gmail.com; @darrylrouson
www.darrylrouson.com; voterouson@gmail.com; @darrylrouson