Earlier this month, we interviewed Carlos Trujillo (Republican) who is currently running as a candidate for district 116's representative in the state of Florida. Carlos Trujillo is a native of South Florida with a law degree from Florida State University. Among his many accomplishments, Carlos currently works as an Assistant State Attorney for the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. We interviewed Carlos by giving him our standard set of campaign questions, these were his responses:
What qualifications do you bring to the table that you feel make you suited to be a State Representative?
My lifelong commitment to public service, involvement with community and charitable organizations throughout South Florida (such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters), and experiences as an Assistant State Attorney have placed me in a position to serve the people of Florida House District 116. I have been fortunate enough to work with the Children's Advocacy Center and witness the educational needs of the youth in our community. My experience as an Assistant State Attorney has prepared me for the Legislative challenges that our state currently faces.
What are the top five issues most important to you that you hope to accomplish or address if you are elected to this district seat?
- Property Tax Reform
- Public Safety
- Job Creation and Education Improvement (These Are Related)
- Fiscal Accountability (No Hidden Tax Increases)
What are your thoughts on the way the current administration has handled the financial situation over the past year? What would you have done differently?
These have been difficult economic times for all and while the current administration and Legislature have done an excellent job in not raising taxes, there is a serious need for increased fiscal efficiency and transparency in order to restore faith in government. I do not agree with the Governor's attempts to balance recurring expenses in the budget with non-recurring money (i.e. using federal "stimulus" funds). Nor do I agree with the Legislature's recent fee increases either. Accountability of government expenditures will result in the reduction of wasteful spending and allow our state to efficiently allocate funds to improve educational quality, public safety and other governmental services.
Florida is currently declining in population. Without immigration, South Florida's population would be declining at an even greater rate. What would you hope to do in your district that would encourage new growth?
The backbone of our great state is small businesses and when small businesses thrive, so do our communities. Tax cuts and other enticing financial incentives that allow small businesses to open up, operate and flourish would result in economic growth in South Florida. Improvement in the quality of education and technical training would retain many of the residents who would otherwise move to other communities. Inevitably, the real estate market will stabilize and that will also help increase growth. Sometimes government just needs to let the free market work itself out.
What values and ideals do you hold important that you feel define you as a conservative and as a Republican?
I want to restore trust in our government and as a fiscally conservative Republican and ardent supporter in limited government, I believe that government's purpose is to work for the people and enhance the quality of life for all. I am also a social conservative (I believe in the protection of unborn children) and if we don't hold true to the moral values and principles that our country was founded on, then we will not prosper and succeed as a society.
Is there anything else you would like to comment on or share?
My beautiful wife, Carmen and I, are looking forward to meeting residents of the 116th House District, earning their trust and vote, and serving them in the Florida House.
For more information on Carlos Trujillo and his campaign, please visit his website at: http://www.votetrujillo.com/
