We're close to crossing another district off the list when it comes to contesting seats.
The candidate who has filed is Michael Calderin.
But, the catch is that Michael needs the money for filing. That fee is over $9,000 dollars and the deadline is in May.
I'll paste some details about Michael from his campaign website under the fold, so you can get to know him a bit.
If the information inspires you to give to Michael, then go here to contribute
And now time for the info.
From his main campaign page:
My name is Michael Calderin. How can I help you?
That's what elected officials should be asking you. When was the last time you thought of a politician as a public servant?
From his issues page:
Michael feels strongly about these issues and encourages you to get involved:
- Defend the basis of our democracy with voting systems that are verifiable and accurate.
- Provide affordable healthcare to everyone. Not only will we save billions, we'll also fulfill our moral obligation to take care of those most in need.
- Clear our roadways by building mass transit and innovative roadways to support our growing population.
- Develop our urban areas into places people can work and live.
- Protect the Everglades from development and our shores from oil drilling.
- Education is a matter of national security. America needs to stay competitive through top-tier research. Teach our children the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century, not just how to pass a test.
- Encourage young people to lead. Young people see too many reasons not to get involved in politics. Young leaders must break down the barriers to entry and show others the way.
- Get our troops out of Iraq as soon as possible. Determine an exit strategy, publicize it, and implement it.
- Our security is our responsibility. Keep critical operations in American hands.
- Value freedom of religion, but do not allow religion to control our government.
- Maintain our military capability by using it wisely, being open and honest in recruiting, and properly care for our active duty soldiers, reservists, national guardsmen, and veterans.
- Reduce our dependency on foreign oil. Research ways to stretch the supply and develop alternative energy sources.
- Confine executive power. Even the president is not above the law. Our government's checks and balances must be respected and protected.
- Simplify the Medicare prescription drug program.
- Protect American jobs, not just corporate profits. Current free trade agreements encourage American companies to send jobs to the lowest bidder overseas.
- Raise the minimum wage and draft legislation to automatically adjust it as needed.
- Support human rights at home and abroad. Return America to our position as the world's moral leader; we can't stand by during genocide.
- Reduce the deficit; roll back tax cuts for the richest 1%. Stop borrowing a billion dollars a day from foreign countries.
- Foster productive citizens by creating programs that will remove the homeless from our streets and get them back on their feet.
I'm sure that you can find at least five stances that he has mentioned which you can strongly agree with. Probably more than that.
Michael is somebody who "gets it" when it comes to how our Government should be run.
Michael Calderin's opponent is Mario Diaz-Balart, the main person responsible for the gerrymandered districts in Florida. I'm sure there's other reasons to really oppose Diaz-Balart.
Hopefully Michael will be able to get on the ballot. But he will need help to get his campaign on it's feet.
So, hopefully you can help him out a bit.