Meet Jim
I am a father, husband, veteran, small business consultant and fiscally responsible Democrat committed to bringing common-sense back to Florida’s 5th congressional district.
I was raised, for most of my childhood, by a strong single mother in New York State. I went on to receive my degree in Business Administration and Entreprenurial Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, and earned my M.B.A. at Canisius College using the GI Bill benefits I received from the US Army. I have lived in Florida since 2003, where I remain an active member of the community and am the proud father of two beautiful daughters ages 9 and 6. It is their future that I am concerned about and one of the main reasons I am running for the US House of Representatives.
I proudly served six years on active duty with the United States Army, including several years with the prestigious 101st Airborne Division. During my service, I received several awards and medals, including an Army Achievement Medal "for meritorious achievement in support of the contingency mission resulting from the September 11th attacks."
After receiving an Honorable Discharge, I moved to Florida, where I began working in finance as an auditor at a financial institution. I have 10 years of small business consultanting experience and, today, I continue to work as a consultant trying to help small businesses grow.
In addition to my military and business career, I have tried to remain active in my community. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Charlie and Katrina, I organized two statewide food drives which netted over 20 tons of food and $10,000 for community food pantries. I've also helped a cause dear to my heart by organizing two major donation drives for Pasco County's Sunrise Center, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Having served this country with honor and distinction, I feel the call to serve on an even greater level by representing Central Florida in Congress. I want to bring common sense solutions back to Congress; help create clean energy manufacturing jobs for out-of-work families; protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, and fulfill the commitment our country makes to veterans for their service and sacrifice.
