Age: 47
Residence: Boca Raton
Time in the Legislature: 4 years
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Spouse: Ray
Children: Mary Alice
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An attorney.
What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?
Sponsoring a bill that was eventually passed as the Senate's version, SB 246, to reign in the pain clinics.
What was your biggest political faux pas?
I really can't think of one. I have a real advantage in the fact that I worked as a legislative aide to current Congressman Ron Klein, so I knew how and when to say things.
Who in state government do you most admire?
Lawton Chiles, because he did his job in a quiet way but was very effective. He moved the state forward in some very significant areas.
Who in all the world do you most admire?
My mother. She raised five children and was very effective at it. I'm blessed that she's still with us and we keep in very close contact. I had severe arthritis as a child and was bedridden, and she really did an excellent job of taking care of me.
Who is your favorite lawmaker of the opposite party and why?
Rep. Marcelo Llorente, R-Miami, because he's very good at getting his bills passed. He's also quite skilled at working both sides of the aisle and bringing them together. I also think he does a great job in representing his district.
What do you remember as being your wackiest constituent request?
Generally speaking, I don't think people know who their lawmakers are or what we do. I've had people call and ask if I could come over or send someone to clean their house. I've also had people ask if I could get them a refund for a product they didn't want or that didn't work.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Wherever my family is. I have a very close-knit family with three sisters and a brother, and we try to get together whenever we can.
What is your least favorite household chore?
I really don't like to do yard work or laundry. I'll do anything else, but those two chores are things I avoid.
