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www.ambiente.us AUGUST |AGOSTO 2010
Voten Por Flippen!
Interview with Florida State Representative candidate
Justin Flippen
By Armando Diaz
Armando | How are you feeling today?
Justin | Feeling great! <laughs>
Armando | What did you dream about last night?
Justin | <hmmm>
Armando | Did I catch you off guard?
Justin | Yeah…I think I was in my car going somewhere with my mother and my
family but I couldn’t tell you where.
Armando | <laughs>
Armando | Could you give us a brief history of your political journey?
Justin | Sure, sure. I’ve been active in the Democratic Party since my days in
college. I was Florida’s first openly gay student body president at FAU and also
the president of the College Democrats on campus. When I finished my studies
at FAU I went on to law school at the University of Florida. Upon receiving my
Juris Doctor, I decided to work only for the Democratic Party and went to work
for the Florida House of Representatives…did that for about (2) years, got to
understand the mechanics of how Tallahassee and the state legislature
Voten Por Flippen!
Interview with Florida State Representative candidate
Justin Flippen
By Armando Diaz
Armando | How are you feeling today?
Justin | Feeling great! <laughs>
Armando | What did you dream about last night?
Justin | <hmmm>
Armando | Did I catch you off guard?
Justin | Yeah…I think I was in my car going somewhere with my mother and my
family but I couldn’t tell you where.
Armando | <laughs>
Armando | Could you give us a brief history of your political journey?
Justin | Sure, sure. I’ve been active in the Democratic Party since my days in
college. I was Florida’s first openly gay student body president at FAU and also
the president of the College Democrats on campus. When I finished my studies
at FAU I went on to law school at the University of Florida. Upon receiving my
Juris Doctor, I decided to work only for the Democratic Party and went to work
for the Florida House of Representatives…did that for about (2) years, got to
understand the mechanics of how Tallahassee and the state legislature
Armando | Do you
have a favorite song
right now?
Justin | Gosh…I have a
lot of favorite songs,
classic stuff like Billy
Joel’s “We Didn’t Start
The Fire” to the more
contemporary…
Beyonce and Lady
GaGa so it just really
depends on my mood.
*Justin also added the
Star-Spangled Banner,
“Only in America” by
Brooks and Dunn, “The
Touch” by Stan Bush,
and “Where My Heart
Will Take Me” by Russell
Watkins are among his
favorites (but yes, he
actually is that patriotic
that he loves our
national anthem).
Armando | When’s
your birthday?
*Justin answered this
but to reserve his
privacy on that (at
least from my end), let’s
say he’s a Taurus =)
have a favorite song
right now?
Justin | Gosh…I have a
lot of favorite songs,
classic stuff like Billy
Joel’s “We Didn’t Start
The Fire” to the more
contemporary…
Beyonce and Lady
GaGa so it just really
depends on my mood.
*Justin also added the
Star-Spangled Banner,
“Only in America” by
Brooks and Dunn, “The
Touch” by Stan Bush,
and “Where My Heart
Will Take Me” by Russell
Watkins are among his
favorites (but yes, he
actually is that patriotic
that he loves our
national anthem).
Armando | When’s
your birthday?
*Justin answered this
but to reserve his
privacy on that (at
least from my end), let’s
say he’s a Taurus =)
| . |
operates…came back home to Broward County and went to work for the
county government including the County Mayor’s office where I gathered a
greater understanding of local government. During that time I became a
member of the Broward County Democratic Party and served as the Secretary
to the Deerfield Beach Democratic Club and also became the President of the
Dolphin Democrats (a local democratic organization).
In 2008, I ran for office in the city of Wilton Manors and won a commission seat.
My colleagues unanimously elected me vice-mayor of the city and I’ve been
serving as Vice Mayor of the city of Wilton Manors for about (2) years.
I take being a Democrat very seriously…so when I went as an
official Florida delegate to the 2008 Democratic National
Convention in Denver and we adopted our rules as to what it
means to be a Democrat, I was proud to vote in favor of our party
platform and take it home (back here to Florida), after the
celebration was over in Denver. I even travelled to Washington to
see Obama inaugurated as I wanted to see and be a part of this
cycle from start to finish.
Armando | That is quite impressive you’re a busy man!
Justin | Yes I’ve been fairly busy I guess you could say.
Armando | Well that’s a very accomplished resume for a 32 year old.
Justin | Thank you.
county government including the County Mayor’s office where I gathered a
greater understanding of local government. During that time I became a
member of the Broward County Democratic Party and served as the Secretary
to the Deerfield Beach Democratic Club and also became the President of the
Dolphin Democrats (a local democratic organization).
In 2008, I ran for office in the city of Wilton Manors and won a commission seat.
My colleagues unanimously elected me vice-mayor of the city and I’ve been
serving as Vice Mayor of the city of Wilton Manors for about (2) years.
I take being a Democrat very seriously…so when I went as an
official Florida delegate to the 2008 Democratic National
Convention in Denver and we adopted our rules as to what it
means to be a Democrat, I was proud to vote in favor of our party
platform and take it home (back here to Florida), after the
celebration was over in Denver. I even travelled to Washington to
see Obama inaugurated as I wanted to see and be a part of this
cycle from start to finish.
Armando | That is quite impressive you’re a busy man!
Justin | Yes I’ve been fairly busy I guess you could say.
Armando | Well that’s a very accomplished resume for a 32 year old.
Justin | Thank you.
Armando | The only antiquated and discriminatory law of its kind in the entire country,
Florida’s Ban on Gay Adoption…your feelings on it?
Justin | Unlike anyone who has ever held this position before from this district, I will
sponsor a bill in the state legislature repealing this abominable law. Our current state
representative ignored this issue during her first year in office. Only when realizing there
was an opponent to face in the general election on August 24th, did she find it relevant
to become a co-sponsor of this bill. It’s had co-sponsors from this district for far too long
and I know what it means to be the co-sponsor of a bill (having worked at the state
legislature). You go on to the computer, you click ‘I Support
It’ and that’s where it stops.
To me the issue of adoption is very personal. My mother was
adopted. I can’t adopt. And I’m an openly gay man who has
a partner and we’d like to have a family established just like
any other person.
I have a long history of opposing the ban on gay adoption.
When I was in law school I started Lambda Legal (at UF Law),
and we did a petition drive and a seminar workshop where we
brought in experts to talk about how it’s detrimental to the children…when they are left
in the state’s care and they don’t have loving parents to raise them…beyond that it
would also save the state millions of dollars if they would open up adoption for
everybody…and in an economic situation where you’re wanting to (1) figure
out what’s in the best interest of the child and (2) save the state money, to
me it makes sense on all accounts to repeal this discriminatory law.
I made sure that GL:AAD and the ACLU could do legislative training in Wilton
Manors. We provided them meeting space at Hagen Park so they could do
legislative training with activists all over the county and the region
particularly on this issue. I have a long record of opposition to this ban.
Armando | Is there anything you feel GLBT voters should know, to perhaps
motivate more of our community to exercise their voice?
Florida’s Ban on Gay Adoption…your feelings on it?
Justin | Unlike anyone who has ever held this position before from this district, I will
sponsor a bill in the state legislature repealing this abominable law. Our current state
representative ignored this issue during her first year in office. Only when realizing there
was an opponent to face in the general election on August 24th, did she find it relevant
to become a co-sponsor of this bill. It’s had co-sponsors from this district for far too long
and I know what it means to be the co-sponsor of a bill (having worked at the state
legislature). You go on to the computer, you click ‘I Support
It’ and that’s where it stops.
To me the issue of adoption is very personal. My mother was
adopted. I can’t adopt. And I’m an openly gay man who has
a partner and we’d like to have a family established just like
any other person.
I have a long history of opposing the ban on gay adoption.
When I was in law school I started Lambda Legal (at UF Law),
and we did a petition drive and a seminar workshop where we
brought in experts to talk about how it’s detrimental to the children…when they are left
in the state’s care and they don’t have loving parents to raise them…beyond that it
would also save the state millions of dollars if they would open up adoption for
everybody…and in an economic situation where you’re wanting to (1) figure
out what’s in the best interest of the child and (2) save the state money, to
me it makes sense on all accounts to repeal this discriminatory law.
I made sure that GL:AAD and the ACLU could do legislative training in Wilton
Manors. We provided them meeting space at Hagen Park so they could do
legislative training with activists all over the county and the region
particularly on this issue. I have a long record of opposition to this ban.
Armando | Is there anything you feel GLBT voters should know, to perhaps
motivate more of our community to exercise their voice?
Justin | GLBT voters and all voters need to know that there’s still hope out there. A
lot of people become very apathetic and disillusioned with those who serve in
elected office plus they don’t like politicians…I see the position that I hold in my
city and the seat that I’m running for as an office of public service…to be a public
servant means to do what’s best on the people’s behalf.
District 92’s demographics are very unique…nearly one third of it is GLBT same-sex
households and for such a large number of voters in the district you
would think that you’d have a
representative that is on point on the
issues that affect ALL the communities of
this district. That is not the case.
As far as what the voters need to
know…there are people (and I am one of
them) who have the passion and the drive
and the determination that when I get to
Tallahassee I will not just be a fierce
advocate…I will be relentless with the
state legislature, because I will be one of
the (120) members that are debating bills
that are important to the constituency not
only that I represent but to which I
myself belong…and that’s a game changer in Tallahassee.
You talk about gay and lesbian issues and they (the
state) think of it as some unknown entity that no one has
any true conception of…but when (1) of their own
members in the chamber is going to be there every time
they debate…housing, employment and discrimination
issues, adoption rights, civil unions or marriage
equality…every time they talk about it, I will be there to
remind them that the state should not be denying anybody
lot of people become very apathetic and disillusioned with those who serve in
elected office plus they don’t like politicians…I see the position that I hold in my
city and the seat that I’m running for as an office of public service…to be a public
servant means to do what’s best on the people’s behalf.
District 92’s demographics are very unique…nearly one third of it is GLBT same-sex
households and for such a large number of voters in the district you
would think that you’d have a
representative that is on point on the
issues that affect ALL the communities of
this district. That is not the case.
As far as what the voters need to
know…there are people (and I am one of
them) who have the passion and the drive
and the determination that when I get to
Tallahassee I will not just be a fierce
advocate…I will be relentless with the
state legislature, because I will be one of
the (120) members that are debating bills
that are important to the constituency not
only that I represent but to which I
myself belong…and that’s a game changer in Tallahassee.
You talk about gay and lesbian issues and they (the
state) think of it as some unknown entity that no one has
any true conception of…but when (1) of their own
members in the chamber is going to be there every time
they debate…housing, employment and discrimination
issues, adoption rights, civil unions or marriage
equality…every time they talk about it, I will be there to
remind them that the state should not be denying anybody
their equality or discriminating against a community. So having a voice
with them will be a total game changer for the state legislature because
they’ve never had it before.
We all got psyched up in 2008…fired up and ready to
go… Well after the convention I came home, I was fired up
ready to go. I’m still fired up and I’m still going!
Armando | That’s very hot! And that is something we need to see in all our
elected officials, as you’ve mentioned, not someone who just sits but that
actively pursues a much needed change in our state.
Armando | Do you have a positive note to add as far as our state’s current
economical situation?
Justin |I feel we’re getting through the worst and we’re managing through a
recession…as far as the economics of our state are concerned we need
legislators who are willing to think outside of the box. We are in the 21st
century…we need to move and think towards progress. Tourism (is my
livelihood) and it represents a huge component of this state’s economy.
People come to Florida to experience our weather, our culture, our diversity,
our clean beaches, our clean waterways, recreation and shopping. All of
this and the overall environment are critical to our tourist industry, so that’s
why I oppose drilling for oil off our coast. I support measures that will have us
invest in alternative and cleaner sources of energy…adopting a renewable
energy portfolio has been recommended by the Florida Public Service
Commission…that requires for 20% or more of our energy to be sought from
or derived from cleaner energy sources.
These are the things that we must start doing…and to reach those you need
to provide businesses with the economic support to move in that
direction…to wean themselves off and transition from the last century’s fuel
with them will be a total game changer for the state legislature because
they’ve never had it before.
We all got psyched up in 2008…fired up and ready to
go… Well after the convention I came home, I was fired up
ready to go. I’m still fired up and I’m still going!
Armando | That’s very hot! And that is something we need to see in all our
elected officials, as you’ve mentioned, not someone who just sits but that
actively pursues a much needed change in our state.
Armando | Do you have a positive note to add as far as our state’s current
economical situation?
Justin |I feel we’re getting through the worst and we’re managing through a
recession…as far as the economics of our state are concerned we need
legislators who are willing to think outside of the box. We are in the 21st
century…we need to move and think towards progress. Tourism (is my
livelihood) and it represents a huge component of this state’s economy.
People come to Florida to experience our weather, our culture, our diversity,
our clean beaches, our clean waterways, recreation and shopping. All of
this and the overall environment are critical to our tourist industry, so that’s
why I oppose drilling for oil off our coast. I support measures that will have us
invest in alternative and cleaner sources of energy…adopting a renewable
energy portfolio has been recommended by the Florida Public Service
Commission…that requires for 20% or more of our energy to be sought from
or derived from cleaner energy sources.
These are the things that we must start doing…and to reach those you need
to provide businesses with the economic support to move in that
direction…to wean themselves off and transition from the last century’s fuel
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alternatives to new and cleaner ones. We can offer economic incentives
to homeowners, authorizing cities to allow the installation of solar panels
and other energy efficient additions to their homes that would entitle them
to a tax break.
Armando | So it’s vital, this continued sense of evolution really.
Justin | We need to have a social and economic evolution, yes.
Armando| Two conservative gubernatorial candidates (Bill McCollum and
newcomer Rick Scott) recently used support and tolerance on GLBT issues as
“mud-slinging” tactics, your thoughts on that?
Justin | The Republican Party tries to energize and polarize its base with such
issues…to ultra conservatives, “gay” issues are very
divisive…what they’re doing is trying to
demonstrate who appeals more to that Republican
conservative base. The GOP does not promote the
change that is needed in Tallahassee, the
Democratic Party and real Democrats do.
Armando | Do you have a favorite comfort food?
You know when you go through stress as we all
do…but in your case the ‘politics’ involved.
Justin | Well I love chocolate, I’m
a big chocolate ice cream fan
and I’ve taken a liking to jelly
beans during this election cycle…
I’ve been eating too many jelly
beans.
Armando | Any favorite jelly beans?
Justin | I like all colors all flavors…I don’t
discriminate on my jelly beans or my politics!
to homeowners, authorizing cities to allow the installation of solar panels
and other energy efficient additions to their homes that would entitle them
to a tax break.
Armando | So it’s vital, this continued sense of evolution really.
Justin | We need to have a social and economic evolution, yes.
Armando| Two conservative gubernatorial candidates (Bill McCollum and
newcomer Rick Scott) recently used support and tolerance on GLBT issues as
“mud-slinging” tactics, your thoughts on that?
Justin | The Republican Party tries to energize and polarize its base with such
issues…to ultra conservatives, “gay” issues are very
divisive…what they’re doing is trying to
demonstrate who appeals more to that Republican
conservative base. The GOP does not promote the
change that is needed in Tallahassee, the
Democratic Party and real Democrats do.
Armando | Do you have a favorite comfort food?
You know when you go through stress as we all
do…but in your case the ‘politics’ involved.
Justin | Well I love chocolate, I’m
a big chocolate ice cream fan
and I’ve taken a liking to jelly
beans during this election cycle…
I’ve been eating too many jelly
beans.
Armando | Any favorite jelly beans?
Justin | I like all colors all flavors…I don’t
discriminate on my jelly beans or my politics!
| . |
Armando | Do you love Florida?
Justin | Yes! Florida is my home state…I’m blessed to have lived in South
Florida which has such a diverse culture. Mi mejor amigo es puertorrigueňo
mi segunda madre es puertorrigueňa tambien…all this is important to me as I
embrace that diversity which crosses ethnicities, crosses race, and obviously
crosses sexual orientation as well.
Armando | What are your thoughts on your road to Washington?
Justin | Wow, you presume I have a road to Washington!
Armando | Absolutely you do. You got me all excited!
Justin | <laughs> I think my hopes should be no different from any other
citizen of our community in that every citizen can make a change and make
a difference in the affairs of our government…I don’t see the government as
separate from the people, I see the people as the government…I think it’s a
paradigm shift. For far too long we’ve had politicians that try to argue that
people are separate from government…that is un-American. I stand as a
public servant that is engaged in the political process…who started out as
an activist and who wants to renew that faith that government is of, for and
by the people.
So help me God that will be what I do the rest of my life. In Wilton Manors, to
Tallahassee to wherever else my path may take me.
Armando | Do you have a message for our Spanish-speaking, Latin-
American population?
Justin | Si, por favor voten por mi…Justin Flippen…muchas gracias.
The Democratic Primary is fast approaching on August 24th,
2010.
Exercise your voice and vote!
Justin | Yes! Florida is my home state…I’m blessed to have lived in South
Florida which has such a diverse culture. Mi mejor amigo es puertorrigueňo
mi segunda madre es puertorrigueňa tambien…all this is important to me as I
embrace that diversity which crosses ethnicities, crosses race, and obviously
crosses sexual orientation as well.
Armando | What are your thoughts on your road to Washington?
Justin | Wow, you presume I have a road to Washington!
Armando | Absolutely you do. You got me all excited!
Justin | <laughs> I think my hopes should be no different from any other
citizen of our community in that every citizen can make a change and make
a difference in the affairs of our government…I don’t see the government as
separate from the people, I see the people as the government…I think it’s a
paradigm shift. For far too long we’ve had politicians that try to argue that
people are separate from government…that is un-American. I stand as a
public servant that is engaged in the political process…who started out as
an activist and who wants to renew that faith that government is of, for and
by the people.
So help me God that will be what I do the rest of my life. In Wilton Manors, to
Tallahassee to wherever else my path may take me.
Armando | Do you have a message for our Spanish-speaking, Latin-
American population?
Justin | Si, por favor voten por mi…Justin Flippen…muchas gracias.
The Democratic Primary is fast approaching on August 24th,
2010.
Exercise your voice and vote!
| . |
The City of Wilton Manors voted unanimously to support a
resolution calling on Congress to pass the Uniting American
Families Act. Justin had the pleasure of adding by
amendment Argentina to the list of nations that recognize
marriage equality.
* During his time at FAU, Justin served as president of the College Democrats
and at UF Law he served as the vice president of the law school’s
Democratic Club which involved him in the student government of the law
school and became student body president of the law school
* In 2008, Justin became one of (200) representatives from the state of
Florida as an official delegate to the Democratic National
Convention…Justin states, ”being involved in that presidential cycle, to
actually represent this state’s vote as only (1) out of (200) people in Denver
was an amazing process!“
*Justin is born and raised in Broward County, where he currently lives and
works. He and his partner are recently celebrating their (3) year anniversary.
For more information please visit www.justinflippen.com
References:
Florida Public Service Commission www.psc.state.fl.us
City of Wilton Manors - Office of Vice Mayor www.wiltonmanors.com/index.
asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B45814A9F-0AF6-4CFC-B6BC-3683C285710A%
7D&DE=%7BCAB586FA-F21E-4837-AC81-E648C7D3ED77%7D
CLICK HERE for more Armando, Diaz, Jr.
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source
resolution calling on Congress to pass the Uniting American
Families Act. Justin had the pleasure of adding by
amendment Argentina to the list of nations that recognize
marriage equality.
* During his time at FAU, Justin served as president of the College Democrats
and at UF Law he served as the vice president of the law school’s
Democratic Club which involved him in the student government of the law
school and became student body president of the law school
* In 2008, Justin became one of (200) representatives from the state of
Florida as an official delegate to the Democratic National
Convention…Justin states, ”being involved in that presidential cycle, to
actually represent this state’s vote as only (1) out of (200) people in Denver
was an amazing process!“
*Justin is born and raised in Broward County, where he currently lives and
works. He and his partner are recently celebrating their (3) year anniversary.
For more information please visit www.justinflippen.com
References:
Florida Public Service Commission www.psc.state.fl.us
City of Wilton Manors - Office of Vice Mayor www.wiltonmanors.com/index.
asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B45814A9F-0AF6-4CFC-B6BC-3683C285710A%
7D&DE=%7BCAB586FA-F21E-4837-AC81-E648C7D3ED77%7D
CLICK HERE for more Armando, Diaz, Jr.
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source