Age: 62
Residence: Greenville
Time in the Legislature: Two years
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Spouse: Susan
Children: Lori L. Weldon, Leonard L. "Kipp" Bembry, Jacquelyn M. "Missy" Culp
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
In 1960 I was a page in the Legislature and had a cousin, Payton Bembry Jr., who was a member of the House from 1965 to '66. So, even though I've worked in retail for 42 years and farming for 38 years, I always wanted to be a legislator.
What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?
As a freshman member of the House, two of the bills that I sponsored were signed into law. The first, HB 109, deals with clinical counseling and psychotherapy services and waives confidentiality when, in the judgment of a licensed therapist, there is a clear and imminent probability of harm. The other, HB 255, provides for the establishment of a pest control insurance fund to finance pest control operations. I consider those to be my biggest political achievements.
Who in state government do you most admire?
Commissioner Charles Bronson is the man I most admire in state government. Agriculture is one of the top industries in our state, and as commissioner of agriculture, he clearly is on the side of the farmer. He understands how important they are to the state and protects their interests.
Who in all the world do you most admire?
The person in the world who I admired the most was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He got us out of the Depression and got this country back on its feet again. He created the WPA programs, and the effects of those programs can still be seen today.
Who is your favorite lawmaker of the opposite party and why?
Baxter G. Troutman, R-Winter Haven, is the Republican politician I admire the most because he is one of the most caring men I've ever met. He was first elected to the House in 2002 and has been re-elected to three successive terms. People in his district realize how much he truly has their interests at heart.
What do you remember as being your wackiest constituent request?
I think the most unusual question I ever got from a constituent was the day a man walked into my office and asked why I was a Democrat. I explained that in my opinion, the Democrats were the party of the common man and had their best interests at heart. I explained the programs Democrats passed to provide much needed social service programs.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Washington, D.C. is the place I would most like to visit and spend time in. I've been there before but only briefly, and I'd really like to spend more time viewing and studying the most important documents that shaped our nation's history.
What is your least favorite household chore?
My wife loves to paint. It seems like she never runs out of things to paint around the house. Just when I get used to the color in one room she's ready to change it. On the other hand I hate to paint. She's always got projects for me to paint and that's my least favorite chore.
