Interview with Tom Garcia, Candidate for U.S. Congress District 24-FL

Image from garcia4congress.com

I had the chance to interview Republican Tom Garcia, one of the candidates in the Primary for U.S. Congress District 24. We discussed important issues for the Space Coast and other areas within District 32.

Matt O'Hern: What are some of the defining traits that set candidate Tom Garcia apart from the rest of the contenders?

Tom Garcia: "I am a career leader and a citizen candidate. My career leadership experience is a unique one. I’ve been a leader in the military, in the corporate environment, and as a small business owner. I owe much of my success to an ability to work with all kinds of personalities and levels experience."
Matt O'Hern: How were you inspired to run for national office, specifically, this district?
Tom Garcia: "I was inspired because of the close connection I have with so many of the residents of this district and the need for a leader who listens.I served a total of 26 years in the Navy; I've worked with NASA, and spent the majority of my life in the aerospace industry and have my own business which specializes in leadership management. I’m uniquely suited to work across party lines on important District 24 issues such as job creation, affordable housing, NASA, Veterans, and the war on terror."
Matt O'Hern: What are some of the most vital issues for central Florida's future?
Tom Garcia: "NASA is very big. The impact of NASA budget cuts to unemployment is estimated to cause a loss of as many as 16,000 jobs in the area. Many will leave the area, further harming the local economy. Many of those that remain will struggle without healthcare. Local governments need to aggressively advertise state and county provided healthcare options that will be available. Helping small businesses survive as well as drawing large businesses into the area with incentives is a must. Improving efficiency and cutting waste from our local school systems to meet the future needs of our students will be a top priority."

Matt O'Hern: If you're fortunate enough to win the primary and challenge Kosmas, 1-on-1, are you confident you'll be able to convince independent voters and moderate Democrats to consider voting for you?
Tom Garcia: "Absolutely. These two groups believe in the constitution just as much as conservatives do. Our constitution has always been a roadmap for success and we need to get back on track by following it. And this means reducing the size of the federal government and a return to responsible fiscal policy. Cycling tax payer money through the federal government before returning it to the states is bureaucratic waste at its worst. Shrinking governments will also create more jobs. The smaller government is the less money it needs to take from the private sector. More money in the private sector means more jobs."

Matt O'Hern: NASA's uncertain future has many residents worried about the economic outlook over the next few years. What's your message for the thousands of NASA employees out there who may be looking for new jobs, right around the same time you would take office?
Tom Garcia: 'Unfortunately there are too many NASA employees already out of work and looking for jobs. While billions are going to other industries to save jobs, very little has come to the space industry where we are the preeminent leader in the world. Our current Representative is literally letting NASA slip through her fingers. At the State and local levels, officials are working aggressively to bring new businesses into the area that can employee these folks in similar jobs. But at the congressional level, much more can be done. There also are national security constraints placed on the Kennedy Space Center for commercial use that need to be lifted so we can generate new revenue and employment. Finally, the current administration needs to decide what its long range goals for NASA are and then start funding for that. This alone could solve much of the problem."
Matt O'Hern: When it comes to social issues, do you consider the preservation of family values a top priority for a congressman? If so, are there any current bills or issues that have you concerned about Florida's families?
Tom Garcia: "Yes. The current administration has stated that it supports the repeal of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. This is a state sovereignty issue and too many congressmen and congresswomen are willing to let the judiciary do their dirty work so they can say they support the majority. The federal government needs to stay out of this. When it comes to the Federal government over reaching its authority, we have too many examples such as one federally-funded school violence prevention program. This program suggested a child who shares his or her parent's traditional values may be likely to instigate school violence. This is why I support HR 2387, a parental rights bill which prohibits the use of Federal funds for any universal or mandatory mental health screening program. What sounds like it might be a good idea just ends up being another attack on family values."

Matt O'Hern: How has your career experience prepared you for office?
Tom Garcia: "As a Naval Officer, I was a leader in charge of men and women at the age of 23. I was immersed in an environment full of great leaders where I learned and practiced. Later on in my career, as the Executive Officer of the Tactical Training Group Pacific 19 Special Reserve unit, I oversaw the contingency planning, training, and multi-agency coordination of international security scenarios just like the one we see today with the Taliban trying to take control of nuclear armed Pakistan. With access to key intelligence information, I have the experience to understand and determine which contingencies are appropriate and effective and will be a credible advocate and an authoritative voice on the best course of action in international security issues.
As a leadership management consultant, I've worked with billion dollar corporations' CEO's and senior VP's to establish leadership business models as well as improve operations and the bottom line. Healthcare reform is needed but not at the expense of our seniors or quality. I spent two years working with the healthcare industry improving patient safety and reducing operational costs so I understand the challenges to reform. It can be done right without massive government control."

Matt O'Hern:What are some of the specific votes by Kosmas that have hurt this district?
Tom Garcia: "Matt, you wrote an article on this very issue which shows her approval rating at 10% based on her voting record. Her constituents are not happy because she does not represent their best interest. She voted for the Stimulus bill which is putting our children and grandchildren in greater debt than any of us will have to live through. The Cap and Trade bill that she voted for is going to hit hard at every American familie’s basic needs. It will also tie this nations hands in competing globally. She voted against House Resolution 805 which called for the removal of Charlie Rangle as chairman of the House Ways and Means committee. This has a lot of people questioning her integrity. She voted for HR 3293 which in section 211 cuts funding to Medicare Advantage program facilities if they it will not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or provide referrals for abortions.
She voted for HR 3246 which provides funds for research of advanced vehicle technology. Great, but what about NASA?"
Matt O'Hern: Which political leaders from the past and present inspire you, and why?
Tom Garcia: "George Washington was an incredible leader with tremendous integrity. Abraham Lincoln had great insight into the role of government as did Ronald Reagan. Today, I find Mitt Romney to be a man of integrity and great family values and someone who has achieved much success in his professional life."