Pam Keith
Hometown: Born in Turkey
Party affiliation: Democrat
1) Why are you running for U.S. Senate?
There are many Americans who are seeking a different kind of voice and advocate. I have the background and skills to be an effective leader and advocate with a fresh "outsider" perspective. I have a very specific platform of new ideas I seek to advance in the Senate. But at base, it's about having a deep and abiding love for this country and the people in it.
2) If facing a deficit, what parts of the budget would you cut and what would you promise not to cut?
I would proposing dramatically cutting the number of people in jail for non-violent drug offenses and would argue to decriminalize marijuana. I would also propose setting up a panel to review and commute sentences for non-violent offenders with excessive sentences. I would cut some budgets for military projects that are over budget. I would consider revisiting large government contracts to see if they contain waste, such as excessive executive compensation, redundancy or unnecessary expenses. I would also advocate some changes to federal programs that provide funds to states in block grants. Often these funds don't get used by the states as intended.
3) What would you do to strengthen Florida's economy and create more well-paid jobs?
I would advocate significant increase in the building of solar infrastructure throughout the state. Solar energy can be a source of many good jobs. I also would advocate to bring tech manufacturing jobs to Florida. I believe that a lack of any capacity to manufacture and assemble electronic devices is a serious economic and strategic weakness. I believe that the US can actually manufacture some tech devices competitively, and I'd like to see those jobs brought to Florida.
4) Should the Second Amendment have limitations?
Absolutely yes! The Second Amendment was written to ensure the ability of the State to muster a force to defend itself. We already have that capability in a well structured armed force. The individual right that has been read into the Second Amendment should not extend to any civilian owning any armament manufactured.
a) More or fewer than it has today?
Significantly more.
b) Do you support prohibiting gun sales to people on an FBI terror watch list?
Yes.
c) Banning certain types of weapons for civilians?
Yes.
5) Please explain your position on energy. Do you support drilling off the coast of Florida/ the Eastern U.S.?
I do not believe that we should be engaging in any new oil exploration at this time. Natural gas is available in sufficient quantity to belie the need for oil, and the risk to the maritime environment is too high. We should invest instead in solar plants and solar energy storage research.
6) What should the federal government be doing to combat rising sea levels and other effects of climate change?
Dramatically reducing emissions from cars, first and foremost. We should also be looking at urban and rural development and transportation structures to find cleaner, more efficient ways of moving people and goods across the nation.
7) Do you support Common Core education standards? Please explain.
I think Common Core was well intentioned, but it was improperly implemented and took on too much of a testing component. I believe that we have an over-testing culture in education, which can impede rather than promote, learning.
8. What is your position on the Affordable Care Act?
It's a start. The plans within the exchanges are still very expensive for many Americans, and it needs to be expanded to include Medicaid eligible persons in EVERY state.
9) Florida's median income hasn't kept pace with inflation over the past decade. What policies do you advocate to change that in the decade ahead?
We need innovative tax provisions that incentivize employers to share more of their profit with employees. I suggest tax breaks for those employers who do so.
10) Should the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba be eliminated? With any conditions? Watch list?
Yes, in due course. I believe the reasoned and incremental approach of the current Administration is essentially sound and will work to open trade channels with Cuba.
