Age: 39
Residence: Coral Springs
Time in the Legislature: 6 years
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Spouse: Tatyana
Children: Gabriel
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A talk show host.
What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?
HB 703, which was adopted by the Senate as SB 2142 in 2007 and signed into law. It requires the State Board of Administration to identify companies in which public money, coming from the pension fund, are invested that do business in or with Sudan or Iran.
What was your biggest political faux pas?
My freshman year, I questioned a gun bill that was strongly supported and learned later on that was not the proper way to go about doing things as a member of the minority party.
Who in state government do you most admire?
Bob Graham. I was a legislative aide for him in Washington and he really taught me a lot about politics.
Who in all the world do you most admire?
My 98-year-old grandfather, Maurice, or as we call him Moshe. He is a Holocaust survivor.
Who is your favorite lawmaker of the opposite party and why?
Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, because he's very bright and also very honest.
What do you remember as being your wackiest constituent request?
A woman called my office one day and said there was an area right outside her kitchen window, at her condo, where dogs were making their deposits. She wanted me to get the area moved due to the odor.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Chicago. I really enjoy everything about the city.
What is your least favorite household chore?
Taking the garbage out. I can't stand that.
