Age: 60
Residence: Naples
Time in the Legislature: 4 years
Political Affiliation: Republican
Spouse: Diana
Children: Robert, Elizabeth, Melissa
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to make my parents proud of me, no matter what it was I did for a living, I wanted them to be proud.
What do you consider to be your biggest political achievement?
Beyond having no opponent in my Senate race, I hope it will be the inclusion of an economic incentive allocation that will bring a transformational, personalized medical institute and research village to Florida that will impact Floridas economy for years and years and change the way the human race treats disease and illnesses.
What was your biggest political faux pas?
Voting for HB 1A in special session 2007A, which was my very first vote ever taken. The bill had good intentions but went about them the wrong way, freezing premiums for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. policy-holders and creating artificial premiums for re-insurance.
Who in state government do you most admire?
I have three top-notch, first-class legislative aides: Becky, Sandy and Brad. These three people are the most loyal, dependable, efficient and hardworking people I know. They have earned my respect and admiration.
Who in all the world do you most admire?
My wife Diana. She is the mother of our three grown children that make me proud every day and she is my strongest supporter. I love her tremendously.
Who is your favorite lawmaker of the opposite party and why?
Sen. Chris Smith. Sen. Smith has been a great vice chair of the Banking and Insurance Committee. He is a principled person with integrity and a valued friend.
What do you remember as being your wackiest constituent request?
Ironically, it was a very elderly woman who called my office complaining about boys' pants being worn way down below their waist. She was adamant that we do something to make them not show off their underwear in public. Son of a gun Thats SB 2320 by Sen. Siplin today.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere that I have my wife and our kids with their husbands and our grandson in the same room. Having said that, any room works but I prefer the kitchen.
What is your least favorite household chore?
I love them all, from doing the dishes to doing the laundry to making the bed to taking out the trash just kidding! Least favorite chore would be cleaning the garage.
Reach John Hinds at JHinds1949@aol.com or by calling 850-274-2966
