In an effort to help you make informed decisions during the General Election, ABC Action News has reached out to dozens of candidates running for office. The following statements have been submitted to ABC Action News by the candidate. Every candidate was given the same set of questions. These are their responses in his/her own words.
Name: Tammy Vasquez
Party: Republican
Office: Pinellas County Commission, District 3
Experience:
- Resident of Pinellas county since 1984
- 30+ years business owner
Why should voters vote for you?
I could have never been a successful business owner without listening to my customers, being fiscally responsible, and being open to new ideas that have allowed us to grow.
It is time for new perspective and renewed respect for the constituents of Pinellas. I believe in the constitution and the protections it provides, first a foremost our right to be heard.
Small government was never intended to be a place for a lifetime politician to work until retirement. It’s time for change.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
Term Limits. In 1996 term limits was passed by 73% and yet our county has refused to implement what the voters demanded.
Full funding for first responders. I am an unapologetic supporter of law enforcement. I support providing them with the resources they need to keep our citizens safe, as well as their own safety while they work to protect us.
Water Quality. We must protect and preserve marine and coastal ecosystems, both vital to medical research and tourism. The continual rise of pollution and sewage overflow into our waterways is unacceptable
What are three key messages of your campaign?
- Term Limits
- Truth in Taxation
- Fund the Police
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Protecting our constitutional rights. Our constitution is the sole document that separates us for any other nation. We are incredibly fortunate to live I a country with so many freedoms. Protecting those freedoms and those rights will always come first in any policy issue.
As it relates to the role you are seeking, how has that governmental body handled the Covid-19 pandemic? What would you do differently/the same in handling both the public health risk and the economic recovery?
I am running for county commission because of the overreach the county has displayed during Covid-19. I was a small business owner shut down by the county, not the governor. I was able to prove that my business was in fact an essential business and reopened in 2 weeks. Too many were left without recourse or a livelihood. The commission’s recent decision to transfer the State of Emergency authority to the county administrator is just another move to silence the people. That is unacceptable.
In the role you are seeking, what will you do to address issues of racism and inequality?
Health disparities and adequate housing remain as issue among minorities. It is important that our county commissioners work towards change by engaging and listening to the perspective and the insight by direct experience that comes from the community leaders and the professionals that serve our disenfranchised neighborhoods.
What motivates you to run for public office?
You can’t complain if you’re not willing to do the work and make the change. I refuse to complain and I’m here to do the work!
