Michelle Salzman: Candidate, Florida House, District One
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an interview conducted via questionnaire by the Pensacola News Journal with Escambia and Santa Rosa County election candidates for their respective races. All of the answers were submitted to the Pensacola News Journal by the candidate and are available to our readers to show the candidates' position and priorities on the issues.
Candidate: Michelle Salzman
Office you're seeking: Florida House, District One
Occupation: Small Business Owner, Salz Studio
Education: BSBA in Business, AS in Computer Programming
Why are you running for this office? As a lifelong Republican and resident of District 1, I hope to have the honor and privilege of representing the conservative values of our incredible community to Tallahassee and bringing back results.
For the past decade, I have worked alongside the other community leaders to help Northwest Florida become a greater place to live, work and play.
We have spent two years sending half a billion tax dollars to Tallahassee and have not received even a penny back. Its time for dedicated service in Tallahassee that will represent YOU rather than just a symbolic voice in the wilderness.
What makes you stand out from your opponent(s)? Effective Leadership. Our current Representative has had almost seven year to pass a bill in Tallahassee and has been unsuccessful. For the past two years, he has represented my district. We need an effective conservative in Tallahassee, not just a passionate one. I am certain that I can bring RESULTS back for Northwest Florida.
Previous elective office/ elective office experience: I have never ran for office before.
Do you have a criminal record? No.
What are your three most important priorities if you are elected or re-elected? Safety, Infrastructure, Education
How would you implement Priority 1? Safety - Fight for our police officers’ and firefighter’s pay, pension and for the tools and training they need to keep our community safe. The sheer notion of re-allocation of any public safety funding (IE defund police) is absurd! I will also fight for our second amendment rights. I am the only candidate in my race with an A rating from the NRA, and am also the candidate whom is endorsed by our Police Benevolent Association as well as the Firefighters.
How would you implement Priority 2? Infrastructure – communication with our Department Of Transportation is the first step. Our current representative hasn’t had a single meeting with DOT about our roads. If you have to use roads like Nine Mile or Olive Road or Highway 29, you will understand how imperative it is that your state representative actually communicate with our state roads department. We can do better! Finally, collaborative funding efforts to ensure that we get as much of our state dollars back from Tallahassee to help us maintain our roads and bridges.
How would you implement Priority 3? Education. As a big advocate for education, I feel a very important role for a lawmaker at the state is to ask ourselves “how does this effect our education, and our children” with every bill we pass. We are fortunate to have a Governor who has set the tone for a better educational system with more support for our teachers and support staff. But, we have a long way to go before we reach an equitable position. We MUST focus on our children. Education truly is the future of economic development.
Do you support open records and open meetings laws? Yes.
How will you work to lead the organization you're running for out of the uncertainty and economic downturn created by the coronavirus pandemic and related shutdowns? I want to help us get back to work! The most important thing we can do is work together as a team. With teamwork our delegation can accomplish many great things for our community. We are fortunate to live in a state where we have a balanced budget. It will be a tough year, but with creative solutions such as possibly signing a new compact with the Tribe we can certainly make up for some lost revenues. I want to help us get back to work!