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Politics Unfiltered: History-Making Political Newcomer Tiffany Dziekan Shares Her Experience

Published

9 years ago

April 28, 2017

ORLANDO (FNN NEWS) - Newly elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor (Seat 5) Tiffany Dziekan talks the culture shock of politics. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Politics is rife with promises of change and benefits that tickle the ears of an elected official’s or political candidate’s base, depending on his or her political affiliation, but what happens when a political neophyte runs as an independent…and wins, making history as a result? Tiffany Dziekan, newly elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor (Seat 5), was sworn in January 3, 2017 and came into office with certain…idealistic expectations. With the first quarter of the year under her belt, Supervisor Dziekan shared with FNN News the reality she is experiencing so far.

The Honorable Tiffany Dziekan, newly elected Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor – Seat 5 was sworn in by Chief Judge Frederick Lauten Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Photo by Willie David/Florida National News

MAKING HISTORY

Born in San Diego, California and daughter of a U.S. Navy sailor father, Supervisor Dziekan made history as the first independent candidate–who just happens to be African American–to run for Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and be elected. As it turns out, she was well positioned for it to happen. During her campaign, “People would always ask me what my political affiliation was, and I always told them I’m a third party member,” she told FNN News in a recent phone interview. “People are more comfortable with a third party candidate for an environmental position [than a political one].” She added that she agrees with aspects of both parties, but has her own ideas.

WHAT GOT HER STARTED

Dziekan admitted that she was originally, like many Americans, not engaged in the political process. That changed for her in 2012. When she began to hear about lawmakers who “knew nothing about the law” because their bills and laws were being struck down for being “unconstitutional,” she was compelled to go to law school as well as thoroughly research politicians’ backgrounds to learn more.

Now the single mother of four is learning firsthand how they tick.

DZIEKAN’S IDEALS

She shared with FNN News that the most pressing issue in her district is real estate development encroaching on wildlife habitats. “You have to look at the big picture,” she said. “Development’s good, but not too much development.”

The other, more overarching goal is community outreach. One of her ideas is to conduct an informal poll of the community to learn what constituents expect of their Soil & Water Conservation Board and how best to serve them, using Board funding. Additionally, she is working with elementary schools to inform children of what the Board does, and wants to teaching the community about working with fertilizer.

A related issue, which the Board is currently working on, is streamlining and updating its resources, like its website and record keeping, making it more accessible to the public with a clearer message. “[We need to have] more frequent events so that people know what the Soil & Water Conservation Board is and what we do, who they are. The Board’s profile has been so low for so long.” She added that part of her vision is for the Board to have more influence with City and County Councils to create collaborative solutions for the community.

And she wants to accomplish all this in her first year.

THE TRUTH ABOUT POLITICS AND GETTING THINGS DONE

“There are a lot of personality differences,” she observed, chuckling. She added that politics appears to be more about building alliances or crassly trying to get your way. “I’m starting to see why things don’t get done quickly or at all in government.”

This complicated landscape has forced her to ask herself how she plans to get her ideas accomplished–which are many–but despite the present challenges, she is still optimistic. “Everyone has a lot of things on their plate but if we get together and focus, we can get things done.”

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Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2022

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

“Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

Published

3 years ago

November 20, 2022

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2022

FNN NEWS

Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.