Age: 64
Residence: Umatilla
Time in the Legislature: 6 years
Political Affiliation: Republican
Spouse: Jeanne
Children: JoAnn, Leslie, Nancy
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always wanted to be a pilot, but I never made it.
What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?
HB 1495, which was signed into law last year and is an area property insurance referendum.
What is your biggest political faux pas?
Voting for HB 1A, which was signed by the governor in 2007 and revised various provisions of insurance laws.
Who in state government do you most admire?
Larry Cretul, Allan Bense and former governor Jeb Bush. They are all great leaders with great vision.
Who in all the world do you most admire?
Former Georgia senator and governor Zell Miller, and David Barton, an evangelist and founder and president of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization.
Who is your favorite lawmaker of the opposite party and why?
Zell Miller, because he always stands up for his principles.
What do you remember as being your wackiest constituent request?
We have one guy who calls at 4:55 every afternoon just as we're closing the office for the day. You can count on it like clockwork and he's hard to get off the phone.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The mountains in western North Carolina. I think it's the most beautiful place on earth.
What is your least favorite household chore?
I really don't like mowing the yard.
Reach John Hinds at JHinds1949@aol.com or by calling 850-274-2966
