The Konk Life Candidate Questionnaire: Conducted by Mark Howell With Carlos Curbelo
Carlos Luis Curbelo is the Republican U.S. representative from Florida’s 26th congressional district, having won the seat in the 2014 election.
He has been married to Cecilia Lowell since 2006.
Q. In 20 words or less, Congressman, please let our readers know the reasons in general that you believe you would make the very best person to fulfill the position for which you are running.
A. I’ve put politics aside to get things done and improve the quality of life for our community.
Q. What specifically are the top four factors you believe qualify you over the assets of any other potential candidate?
A. I have dedicated much of my life to serving my community and finding real solutions to improve quality of life for South Florida families. After the years of campaign scandals by both my predecessors, I’ve returned the focus of my office to the constituents and the issues that matter to them. In Congress, I’ve worked tirelessly to get results like funding for local infrastructure and protections for our way of life. I have and will continue to put politics aside and stand up for what’s right for the families of District 26. I’m dedicated to promoting consensus and positive rhetoric among my colleagues to improve Congress and our federal government as a whole.
Q. What is your personal view on the state of the nation in this year’s particularly interesting political season?
A. After a grueling presidential and down ballot primary process, it has been a difficult year for voters of both parties. I firmly believe we need leaders who will bring our country together and work with both parties to find consensus and real solutions for the problems we face as a nation.
Q. Given your personal awareness of governance in Southeast Florida, are you optimistic about relations between the public and the powers that be?
A. With all the modern means of communication, I believe active citizens have more access and potential to influence their elected officials than ever before. And I firmly believe leaders who are connected to their constituents have a better understanding of the problems they face. As Congressman, I’ve been dedicated to opening lines of communications through my three different offices, including one in the Keys with full-time staff, our constituent service program, and my frequent visits and travels throughout the district.
Q. Do you feel that the general tenor of political discourse is becoming less polite in Monroe County or staying about the same?
A. As a nation our political discourse has become more passionate and, unfortunately, more divided than ever before. The Keys have an incredible sense of community and respect for their neighbors. Fortunately, that comes across in their politics most of the time as well. We need leaders at all levels of government who will reach across the aisle and find consensus with my colleagues to get real results for our community
Q. Tell us more about your personal history –- your work and family life –- and how they relate to your political ambitions.
A. I am a father, husband and the son of Cuban exiles who has dedicated much of my life to serving my South Florida neighbors. Over the 12 years I ran my own business, I learned firsthand the struggles that face our community business owners today. After growing my business I was driven to give back to my community and to leave it better and stronger for my daughters and future generations. I served on the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization and School Board, where I fought for common sense solutions to improve quality of life and education in Miami-Dade County, and in Congress where I have fought for Florida’s 26th Congressional District and the issues that matter to our families and way of life.
Q. From your personal experience, would a generally peaceable outlook in the Keys depend upon a measure of control over the number of our visitors and residents?
A. The geography of the Florida Keys will always provide a certain natural control. I worry government efforts to regulate the number of visitors could hold back the economic growth of the local tourism economy that is so central to many residents’ way of life. Fortunately, through American free-market principles, Florida Keys business owners can utilize the high demand to grow their businesses and our local economy, leaving the next generation better off than the last.
Q. What do you personally love most about Monroe County and the Florida Keys?
A. The people who dedicate their time and efforts to building community in the Florida Keys. Many Keys residents are part-timers which is challenging. There is a small but committed group of residents who work to improve education, protect the environment, and take care of the least fortunate. Their work is an inspiration.
Q. What troubles you the most about today’s Monroe County and the Florida Keys?
A. Climate change is threatening the natural habitat and beauty that is an essential part of our Monroe County’s way of life. In Congress, I’ve been dedicated to promoting sensible environmental protections. I formed a bipartisan caucus focused on bringing together members of both parties to find solutions to climate change and fight to protect our natural treasures, like the Florida Keys. I’m also determined to secure flood insurance reform. In Congress, I introduced Flood Insurance Fairness Act to make flood insurance more affordable for Monroe County families. I also introduced the National Mitigation Investment Act to ensure residents and businesses will have the means to alleviate losses in the event of a natural disaster.
Q. What planning or political mistakes do you personally believe were the worst to be inflicted on the Keys over the past decade?
A. The lack of affordable housing has been a detrimental hurdle to Florida Keys families, and is still being addressed at all levels of government today.
Q. Who is your favorite character in the history of the keys?
A. Henry Flager. He recognized the potential of the Florida Keys and shared it with the world. Without him, the Keys would never be what they are today.
Q. Who is your least favorite character?
A. Hurricane Wilma. With the highest storm surge in nearly 40 years, the devastation it brought on the Florida Keys was overwhelming.
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. “Last Train to “by Les Standiford.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. “Lean On Me.”
Q. What is your favorite quote?
A. “If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.”
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To all candidates: If you would like to participate in the Konk Life series of Candidate Questionnaires, please e-mail your contact information (e-Mail and telephone number)
To Mark Howell at:
Mark [email protected]
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