Recently, I had the chance to ask Art Otero, candidate for Florida State House District 43, some questions about the issues and his campaign.
As always, I like to interview as many candidates for office as possible. It doesn’t matter which party or what race, if you’re running for office, I want to talk to you!
Here is what Otero had to say.
FT: Thanks for taking a few minutes to answer some questions Commissioner. How is the campaign going and what are the main state level concerns you’re hearing from the voters?
Otero: The campaign has been very productive. We have been walking our district everyday with good results and support from many levels. The main things voters are concerned with are jobs, education and transportation.
FT: What did you think of the legislative session this year? Was there something you strongly agreed or disagreed with?
Otero: I strongly agreed with the fact that they were able to maintain our budget and were able to continue to provide the same services to all Floridians without cutting anything out and to continue to support our education system.
FT: If elected, State Representative Otero’s main goal in Tallahassee would be?
Otero: My main goal is to use education to encourage economic development. I want to create more funding for more post-secondary schools within our system so more children can have a chance to get a college degree or certificate and find better jobs. I also want to give teachers more creativity to teach to the child and not to the test. A teacher knows her students best and we need to give them back this right to teach them at the levels that is best for all. Post-secondary schools are important because they can give people a second chance at a career. I will also support more funding for infrastructure of shovel-ready projects and business incubators.
FT: You’re not running unopposed. Why should the voters pick you over your opponent?
Otero: I have a valuable lifetime of experience to offer. I spent twelve years in the military serving our great country and learned many valuable lessons I continue to use every day. I have a background in finance and understand how it works. I have been a commissioner for the City of Kissimmee for the last 4 years and Vice Mayor for the last two. This experience gives me an understanding of how government works to include budgets, policy, and procedures to serve the needs of the community. Finally, my family and I have lived here for the last 14 years and this is our home. I care very deeply for my community and for Florida. I want to work to help us recover from the recession and to make not only my district, but Florida a better place for everyone to visit, live, work and attend school.
FT: I like to end my interviews on a fun and positive note. What is something interesting about yourself or the campaign the voters might not know?
Otero: I love to cook. It is one of my favorite things to do. It allows me to create something delicious that I can share with my friends and family.
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Otero faces opposition from Ricardo Rangel in November. You can view Otero’s website here.
