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Why I am Running for Governor For Florida
After dedicating 22 years of my life to serving our nation in the United States Navy, where I was honorably discharged, I am now answering a different call to service one that addresses a fundamental issue at the heart of our democracy.
Throughout my naval career, I witnessed firsthand the power of collective action, clear chains of command, and systems of accountability. I served to protect the democratic principles that make America exceptional. Yet upon returning to civilian life in Florida, I observed a troubling disconnect between these ideals and our political reality.
I am running for Governor of Florida because I believe that political power truly belongs in the hands of the people not concentrated among a select few elected officials or special interests. The Florida Constitution clearly states in Article 1, Section 1 that “All political power is inherent in the people,” yet our current system fails to honor this fundamental principle.
As a veteran who swore an oath to defend the Constitution, I cannot stand idle while watching our democratic processes erode. The same dedication to duty and service that guided my military career now compels me to advocate for legislative authority for citizens a system where Floridians have direct input into the policies that shape their lives.
My campaign is not about partisan politics. As a non-party affiliated candidate, I am not beholden to special interests or party agendas. Instead, I am committed to a single, transformative idea: returning power to the people through direct democracy and citizen oversight of government.
The discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking I developed during my 22 years in the Navy have prepared me to tackle this challenge. I understand that meaningful change requires both vision and practical implementation. Just as military operations depend on clear objectives and coordinated effort, transforming our political system demands focused determination and grassroots mobilization.
I believe Florida can lead the nation in democratic innovation by establishing mechanisms for citizens to directly approve or reject policies, recall officials who fail to represent their interests, and ensure transparency in how tax dollars are spent.
I am running for Governor not to wield power, but to return it to its rightful owners the citizens of Florida. Together, we can create a government that truly reflects the will of the people and honors the constitutional principle that political power is inherent in the people.
The oath I took to support and defend the Constitution didn’t end with my military service. It continues today in this campaign for a government of, by, and for the people of Florida.
THE PLAN
Legislative Authority for Citizens: A New Era of Democracy in Florida
Last Updated: May 25, 2025
1. Introduction
Vision Statement: "A Florida where citizens have direct voting power on legislation at all levels of government, from school boards to the state legislature."
Overview: The current system of representative democracy has created a disconnect between elected officials and the citizens they serve. While we elect representatives, citizens lack direct voting authority on the legislation that impacts their lives.
The Problem: Citizens are limited to voting for representatives every few years, with no direct voting power on legislation in between elections. This has led to policies that often don't reflect the will of the people.
The Solution: Legislative Authority for Citizens—a policy that gives Floridians direct voting power on legislation at every level of government, creating true citizen legislative authority while maintaining our constitutional framework.
2. What is Legislative Authority for Citizens?
Definition: Legislative Authority for Citizens means that Floridians, at every level of governance, will have direct voting power on legislation, not merely advisory input through committees or forums.
Key Principles:
· Direct Voting Power: Citizens will have literal voting authority on legislation, not just advisory input.
· Constitutional Framework: This initiative works within our constitutional system while enhancing citizen participation.
· Local to State Implementation: Beginning with local government and expanding upward to ensure practical implementation.
· Transparency and Accessibility: All legislative processes will be open, accessible, and directly accountable to citizens.
Examples of Elected Positions Affected:
· School board members
· County commissioners
· City council members
· Mayors
· State representatives and senators
· Statewide officials (e.g., governor, attorney general)
3. How Legislative Authority Will Work: Direct Citizen Voting
Step 1: Direct Citizen Voting at the Local Level
School Boards:
· • Citizens directly vote on education policies (e.g., curriculum changes, school funding allocations).
· • Citizens vote on recall elections for school board members who fail to represent their constituents.
County Commissioners:
· • Citizens directly vote on countywide referendums for local issues (e.g., zoning, infrastructure projects).
· • Citizens directly vote on new county ordinances or repeal of existing ones.
City Councils and Mayors:
· • Citizens directly vote on city-specific issues (e.g., public safety, parks, and recreation).
· • Citizens vote on recall elections for city council members and mayors.
Step 2: Regional Collaboration
Regional Issues: Citizens directly vote on issues that affect multiple counties (e.g., water management, transportation networks).
Regional Referendums: Direct citizen voting will be conducted across affected counties, with results weighted by population.
Step 3: Statewide Decision-Making
Statewide Initiatives: Citizens directly vote on issues affecting 51% or more of the state's population.
Statewide Referendums: Citizens have direct voting authority on major decisions through statewide votes.
Recall Elections: Citizens directly vote to remove state legislators, the governor, and other statewide officials who fail to represent their interests.
Technology and Accessibility:
Secure digital platforms for direct citizen voting at all levels.
Mobile-friendly tools to ensure all Floridians, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, can participate in direct voting.
4. Amending the Florida Constitution
Why a Constitutional Amendment?
To ensure citizens' direct voting power is permanent and protected from political interference at all levels, formalizing the principle that "All political power is inherent in the people" as stated in Article I, Section 1 of the Florida Constitution.
The Process:
· 1. Draft the Amendment: Work with legal experts to draft clear language that establishes direct citizen voting authority while maintaining our constitutional framework.
· 2. Petition Drive: Collect signatures from registered voters in every county (8% of the total votes cast in the last presidential election, as required by Florida law).
· 3. Geographic Diversity: Ensure signatures from at least half of Florida's congressional districts.
· 4. Review by the Florida Supreme Court: The court will review the amendment to ensure it complies with state laws and addresses a single subject.
· 5. Ballot Placement: Once approved, the amendment will be placed on the ballot for the next general election.
· 6. Voter Approval: The amendment must receive at least 60% of the vote to pass.
Timeline: 2-3 years for full implementation, with phased approach beginning at local levels.
5. Transitioning to Direct Citizen Voting: A Bottom-Up Approach
Phase 1: Pilot Programs in Select Counties
· • Launch pilot programs in 3-5 counties to test direct citizen voting mechanisms for school boards, county commissioners, and city councils.
· • Use these pilots to refine processes and address challenges.
Phase 2: Expand to All Counties
· • Roll out direct citizen voting in every county.
· • Establish county-level systems to facilitate citizen-led voting and ensure transparency.
Phase 3: Statewide Implementation
· • Integrate county-level direct voting with statewide processes.
· • Establish a dedicated state office to coordinate and support local direct voting efforts.
6. Benefits of Legislative Authority for Citizens
· True Empowerment: Floridians will have direct voting power on legislation at every level of governance.
· Restored Trust: Rebuild trust in government by ensuring legislation reflects the will of the people through direct citizen votes.
· Real Accountability: Hold every elected official accountable through citizen voting authority.
· Innovation: Encourage creative solutions to complex problems by enabling citizens to directly vote on innovative approaches.
7. Addressing Constitutional and Democracy Concerns
Constitutional Framework:
· • Legislative Authority honors the Constitution's democratic republic framework while enhancing citizen participation through direct voting.
· • The Florida Constitution states "All political power is inherent in the people" - this initiative puts that principle into practice.
· • Our democratic system has evolved significantly since 1787 through amendments and reforms; this continues that evolution.
Not Pure Democracy:
· • Legislative Authority is not about eliminating representatives but giving citizens direct voting power on legislation.
· • Representatives continue to play vital roles in drafting legislation and building coalitions, with citizens having the ultimate voting authority.
· • Constitutional protections for individual rights remain firmly in place, preventing majority tyranny.
Hybrid Direct-Representative Model:
· • This approach combines the strengths of representative democracy with direct citizen voting authority.
· • Similar hybrid models like "liquid democracy" have been successfully implemented in various contexts.
· • Modern technology makes secure, informed direct citizen voting more feasible than ever before.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Wasn't the Constitution written for a democratic republic, not direct democracy?
A: Yes, and Legislative Authority maintains our democratic republic while enhancing it with direct citizen voting. The Constitution begins with "We the People" because the Founders believed ultimate power resides with citizens. This initiative works within our constitutional framework while giving citizens more direct voting authority.
Q: Could this lead to eliminating representatives entirely?
A: No. Representatives will continue to play crucial roles in drafting legislation, building coalitions, and addressing complex issues. This is about partnership between citizens and their representatives, not replacement. Citizens gain direct voting authority while maintaining the valuable aspects of representation.
Q: How do you prevent uninformed decision-making by the general public?
A: The direct voting process includes educational components where citizens can access expert testimony and diverse perspectives before voting. Studies show that when given proper information and structured voting processes, citizens make thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions.
Q: How would this actually work in practice?
A: Implementation would be phased, starting with pilot programs at local levels where direct citizen voting is most practical. The process would include secure digital platforms for voting, transparency requirements, and constitutional safeguards to protect individual rights.
9. Get Involved
Sign the Petition:
· • Visit www.legislativeauthority2026.com to learn more and download the petition.
· • Take the petition to your local Supervisor of Elections Office to ensure your voice is counted.
Volunteer:
· • Join our campaign to spread the message of Legislative Authority for Citizens in your community.
· • Host town halls, share information on social media, and talk to your neighbors about why direct citizen voting matters.
Invest Your Time:
· • We're not asking for money—we're asking for your time and energy to help build a movement that gives citizens direct voting power.
Stay Informed:
· • Sign up for updates on our website and follow us on social media to stay connected and informed.
10. Conclusion
Call to Action: "Together, we can create a Florida where citizens have direct voting power on legislation at every level of government. Join me in making Legislative Authority for Citizens a reality."
