Amol Jethwani (D)

The issues:

Why are you running for this office?

I believe that the past 20 years of single party rule have dimmed the prospect of the future of Florida. It’s time for a new generation of leadership driven to advance the goals of their constituency to emerge.

In your view what are the top three issues facing the district. How are you qualified to address these issues?

Education, economy, gun violence.

I have a 10-year record of working in single issue advocacy and engagement record, which involves but is not limited to campaigning and lobbying for keeping guns off campus, passing constitutional amendments for protecting our environment, and protecting Planned Parenthood and access to reproductive healthcare. Having worked on both the electoral and legislative side of American politics as a grassroots activist and organizer, I bring a unique experience and perspective to altering the course of Florida’s future through progressive policy-making.

How would you assess the performance of Governor?

Negligent, the Governor has been negligent towards the people of Florida and his responsibility to serve and protect them. Rick Scott has failed the people of Florida and Florida’s future, we must to better.

How would you assess the performance of the Florida House of Representatives, how it works and the ability of individuals to make a difference?

Right now, our legislature is exceptionally inaccessible. Battles do not happen between parties but between the house and the senate which suffer under single party rule.

What more could be done to curb gun violence? Share your opinion on the changes to school safety and gun ownership enforced in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act.

The Stoneman Douglas act does not go far enough, I believe in a broad approach to common sense gun reform which begins with sweeping legislation which targets the multifaceted issue of gun violence in America. I support an assault weapons ban, I support the introduction of Red Flag laws, I support the establishment of a domestic violence registry given that the strongest correlation is between gun violence and domestic violence, I believe in closing loopholes in our existing system.

The Stand Your Ground Law has been highly controversial. Do you think the law is working or is there something lawmakers should do to change it?

It is time to repeal the Stand Your Ground Law, it has been a justification for murder in this state and unless it is dramatically altered, I support its repeal.

When Richard Spencer came to the University of Florida’s campus last year, the administration at first barred him from renting a space to speak. They later reversed that and allowed the event to take place on campus. What did you think of the decisions making process?

I disagree with the decision to allow Spencer a platform. We are such a massive public institution that has the resources to fight spencer in court. Understanding that hate speech is not free speech, I think the University should have been more directly in opposition to Spencer. I also disagree with the way that the University handled the event with not shutting down campus, and also for not educating students on their rights as protesters.

Do you support legalizing marijuana for recreational use and why?

I support legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use. Not only will legalizing cannabis provide funding that can be directed towards education, the environment, and healthcare, legalization would put a massive dent in the school to prison pipeline. I also support the establishment of the hemp industry in Florida as a new crop that can provide jobs in an emerging industry. It is critical that in addition to recognizing the benefits of legalizing cannabis, we address the issue of those serving long sentences for possession charges. I believe that once responsible adult use of cannabis is legalized the legislature must also commute the sentences of those in prison for possession charges.

Do you support a $15 minimum wage and why?

I support ensuring that no Floridian who works 40 hours a week lives in poverty and I firmly believe in raising the minimum wage to a living wage. Right now, the movement with the greatest traction in Florida is the fight for $15, and I wholeheartedly support the fight for $15.

Sexual assault is a serious issue on college campuses. What, if anything, should lawmakers do to address concerns raised by the #MeToo movement and other instances of unwanted sexual harassment and assault?

If elected I will fight to secure funding for Callisto, the sexual assault and harassment reporting software platform that empowers victims of assault and harassment in pursuing justice. It is crucial that we also introduce comprehensive sexual health education specifically including lessons on consent. We need a broad approach to address the issues of sexual assault, harassment, and violence.

How do you hope to address North Central Florida’s economy and growth?

By investing in infrastructure to attract greater levels of investment and supporting the expansion of small businesses across North Central Florida, we can ensure continued growth. I support rebuilding our schools, roads, bridges, and railways as well as investing in technology infrastructure to attract jobs connected to the global economy.

How would you gauge threats to the environment and what do you hope to do about them?

Protecting our freshwater, banning fracking and offshore drilling, and addressing climate change while also creating jobs in the emerging green energy industry are just the beginning of what our state needs to do to invest in the future of our environment and the health of our fellow Floridians.

What is your opinion of the Sunshine Law?

I support the accessibility and transparency made available to the public by the Florida Sunshine Law.

What is an example of a policy or issue you have changed your view on in the last 20 years?

I have grown in recognizing the gravity of the epidemic of gun violence in America as it has become more and more prevalent in my daily life. It was only after the Sandy Hook Shooting that it came to the forefront for me as a young adult. However, after the Pulse massacre, I realized that the issue of common sense gun reform had become life or death for too many Americans and that we have to fight to end the epidemic of gun violence in America.

Do you support voting on college campuses?

I am a firm supporter of early voting and voting on college campuses and have worked as an advocate to fight for early voting on campus. I believe access to the polls is critical to a healthy democracy and I am pledging that the first piece of legislation I will introduce will be a bill mandating automatic voter registration at age 16.

The campaign

Is there anything you want us to know about your opponent?

Flipping District 21 is tough task and Democrats need a fighter on the ticket in November. Someone who has been fighting for the issues that matter their entire life, and I believe I am the best candidate for this fight. I encourage readers to take a look at my platform, my record of advocacy and engagement, as well as all of my past speeches and recordings of public forums to see and hear the vision I have for District 21 and why I am the best candidate to achieve it.

Why should voters vote for you?

Because I will be an activist and an advocate while representing our district. I have over a decade of experience as an advocate and organizer. I firmly believe I am the most qualified candidate for the position, and if elected I will work every day to ensure that the state government does everything in its power to advance access to opportunity for Floridians and that through our legislation we support communities, cities, and municipalities in their governance.

Miscellaneous

What type of student were you in college?

The one who enjoyed discussion/debates way too much.

What is the last music concert you saw?

The Weeknd

Who is your political hero? Why?

Rep. Maxine Waters, she stands up for what is right and what she believes in. Rep. Waters is an activist and an advocate as a legislator and embodies the passion and courage I will be taking to Tallahassee.

What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

Always be the best you can be compared to no one else.