Meet Florida House District 44 candidate Geraldine Thompson

1. What are three issues that are important to you, and how do you plan to tackle them?

Three issues important to me include healthcare, education and the environment. Because of Florida’s large aging population, the State has a rapidly increasing need for healthcare. The healthcare industry can be enhanced by medical research, expansion of Medicaid and establishing Florida as a tourist destination for specialty care. Demand for water is set to increase by 55% by 2050. We must develop policies regarding allocating water, tackling water pollution, and managing floods and droughts. Florida must adequately fund a quality education system in order to develop a prepared workforce and attract high wage jobs.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing District 44, and how would you address it? 

The biggest challenge facing District 44 is transportation infrastructure that will allow residents and tourists to move from one location to another. Mass transit, including rail connectors, trails and pedestrian-friendly routes, will alleviate congestion and allow the district to capitalize on the local and visitor markets.

3. Do you think the legislature should amend the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act? If so, what changes should be made? 

I think the legislature should amend the School Public Safety Act to include a ban on military assault weapons and large capacity magazines of ammunition.

4. Would you support a bill that gives local municipalities the authority to pass stricter firearms ordinances than what is allowed under state law? 

I would support a bill that gives local municipalities the authority to pass stricter firearms ordinances based on the needs of their communities.

5. Toxic algae blooms are polluting waterways across Florida and devastating tourism-dependent businesses. In your opinion, what steps can be taken to diversify the economy?

To diversify our economy, we must continue to invest in aviation, aerospace, life sciences, medical research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, defense, homeland security, computer components, lasers and transportation logistics.

6. Florida’s environment is one of its greatest assets, but urban sprawl threatens animal habitats and stresses our groundwater supply. What is your plan for better environmental protections? 

Environmental protections must include conserving land adjacent to water bodies. These lands serve as filters and barriers for pesticides, fertilizers and other pollutants. They generate clean water for the aquifer which provides 90% of our drinking water. Florida must also work with the Department of Environmental Protection to protect our air, water, land, and other natural resources. Protection of our environment should be insulated from politics.

7. Why should small-business owners vote for you? 

Small business owners should vote for me because during my previous tenure in the Florida Legislature, I sponsored a number of business-friendly bills that were enacted to allow Floridians to vote by mail which assisted the postal service. Another bill enabled low-income individuals to use EBT cards at farmer’s markets which expanded business for those merchants.