Age: 62
Residence: Niceville
Time in the Legislature: 4 years
Political Affiliation: Republican
Spouse: Victoria
Children: Matt, Erin
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A newspaper reporter, and as a 12-year-old, I worked as a sports reporter for my local paper covering junior high school sports.
What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?
When I was president of the National Hospice Association, back in 1982, I helped draft legislation on Medicaid and Medicare that was passed in Congress, in Washington.
What was your biggest political faux pas?
When I was superintendent of schools in Okaloosa County from 2000 to 2006, there was an incident where a small child got away from a teacher who was supposed to be watching him. He ran out into traffic and was killed. I fired the teacher and the school board overturned my decision.
Who in state government do you most admire?
Former Gov. Jeb Bush, because he was able to put people ahead of the party when it came to politics.
Who in all the world do you most admire?
Winston Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt, because they were great statesmen, great leaders, great writers and they had a grasp of what was truly important.
Who is your favorite lawmaker of the opposite party and why?
Sen. Eleanor Sobel and Sen. Jeremy Ring, because they're both very bright and they help me to understand both sides of every issue.
What do you remember as being your wackiest constituent request?
I've had constituents ask me to marry them and I've also had constituents ask me to bury them. I'm not sure all of them understand what I do.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The gazebo at one of my beach houses in Seaside. My wife and I like to go there with a glass of wine and watch the sun go down.
What is your least favorite household chore?
We have four cats and they will only use the litter box in the house, and I can't stand cleaning out that litter box.
Reach John Hinds at jhinds1949@aol.com or at (850) 274-2966.
