Clint Barras

Clint studied Political Science at Boston College and earned his Master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Georgetown University. For more than twenty years, Clint has successfully led a digital marketing agency based in the Florida Keys, and is the senior manager of the organization's largest client, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Over the past two decades, Clint has witnessed the degradation of our most precious resource, the coral barrier reef; which protects our shores and provides over $2.4 billion to our district's tourism and fishing industries. Clint recognizes the value of a healthy environment for Florida's economy and advocates for higher environmental standards. Clint has served as a member of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council since 2008, and his current position as vice-chair demonstrates the depth of his commitment to the environment. Clint believes in a better future for Florida, for us.

• For too long, Florida's Republican controlled government has consistently put the interests of large corporations and their campaign contributors ahead of the interests of working families and our environment. I am running because I believe we are better than this.
• In Florida, our environment is our economy. Our State's Republican 'leaders' consistently ignore science and the imminent threat of sea-level rise which is the greatest threat to HD 120.
• For over 20 years, Republicans have controlled all branches of government, i.e. the governorship and both chambers of Florida's legislature. The results have been disastrous for our families, communities, and our environment. I will put people first in all we do.

Florida Republicans have manipulated and gerrymandered our congressional and state legislative boundaries for over twenty years which have enabled them to hold on to power. It is imperative we flip the Senate and/or the House this election so this does not happen next year when redistricting occurs.

I believe healthcare is a fundamental right, all people should be able to receive the care and medicines they need. I will fight to expand our Medicaid program by accepting the $billions of Federal-aid offered and refused every year by Florida Republicans. This will allow more than 837,000 more Floridians to receive the care they need.

Florida is still without a plan to address climate change or sea-level rise. I will work to change that and make the Sunshine State a global leader in solar power and clean energy.

There are so many people I look up to. Gandhi, for his peaceful struggle, and a quote I often remember, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Socrates for his ability to reduce complicated questions into pieces, soliciting micro-agreements along the way as he reasons us into understanding. To all of the soldiers who have bravely faced our nation's foes and paid the ultimate sacrifice. And to Truth, which I believe is the foundation of being a just person. Trust, love, it all starts with Truth.

To always have the best interests of others in their heart and their deeds. One who is altruistic, compassionate, just, and wise.

That I hold Truth to be the highest value, that I am compassionate to the suffering of others, and a servant's heart in my hope of leaving a better future for Florida. For Us.

I was in the 8th grade in Temple Terrace, Florida, watching the launch of the space shuttle Columbia from outside the school library when it exploded.

I grew up on a farm in Central Florida and we didn't have much. About a half-mile down the dirt road, a neighbor owned a chicken egg farm. I was in the fourth grade and every day, my brother and I would sweep the sidewalks in each of the three large open-sided buildings. These buildings were longer than a football field and each had five sidewalks. The chicken cages were too small for the three, maybe four chickens they stuffed in there and eventually, one would end up on the bottom and get trampled to death. It was horrible. The whole place was full of chicken feathers and some dust-like matter that covered the sidewalks and everything. My brother and I didn't wear anything over our mouth or nose and would breathe the nastiness while we worked. We were paid $1 per day and we swept seven days a week. We would get paid weekly with a check for $7 and it was so fulfilling to go downtown to cash our checks at the local drug/sporting goods store.

There are so many great and diverse writers, each with their own style. I have long liked the book Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse. It's the story of a person finding understanding. Don't we all want that?

There are three-times as many State Representatives (120) as there are Senators (40). Therefore, the Senators' constituency and geography are broader. When considering legislation, having the Senate, whose perspective of representation is more encompassing, could encourage/require specific provisions to serve the interests of a broader constituency. Of course, each chamber is a check against the other.

No. Our government is structured such that everyone has the freedom and ability to serve their country in many ways, campaigning for office amongst them. Let one's merits of thought and compassion help us create a more perfect Union and State.

Without question, how we respond right now to tomorrow's sea-level rise. Our State leaders can hardly muster the words, 'climate change'; and there is no State plan to address our greatest existential threat. Again, science denial. Florida needs a comprehensive plan, and weaning off of fossil fuels has to be a part of a successful future. It's the Sunshine State. Let's act like it.

The governor should dispense with justice and compassion for all Floridians, which includes protecting our natural resources while shepherding her platform through the state legislature in hopes of creating a better Florida.

Certainly. Just as in life, we are social creatures. To move one's bill through committee, it is incumbent upon us to persuade a majority. It's hard to do that if one finds it hard to talk to strangers. Strengthening relationships creates trust and friendships.

Ideally, a non-partisan computer algorithm would draw as straight and even boundaries as possible. Short of that, a third-party, non-partisan organization with the same purpose.

There is so much I want to change. Expand Medicaid, fix our broken unemployment system, clean our water and environment, improve our public schools, ensure everyone can afford the healthcare they need. What committee is that?

NA

No, I would be a freshman Representative, not having yet seen the sausage being made. Leadership should be reserved for those wisest.

There have been many before me who have given so much of themselves for the benefit of a better Florida. I admire all of those who fight for greater equality, social and environmental justice, and compassion for others. I am humbled to ask for your vote to sit amongst them.

No. I look forward to a time where I don't work all day and into the late night. We'll see, I wasn't planning on doing this.

When I was a kid, there were times that we relied on food stamps to keep us from going hungry. I told myself then that if I could help others, that I would. This pandemic and the subsequent business shutdown has exposed severe weaknesses in the social contract we expected to have with our government. When I see others now on food stamps, it gives me a knot in my stomach. We can do better.