Joe Roberts (politician)
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Joe Roberts is an American politician from Florida who unsuccessfully ran as the Democratic candidate for Florida's 1st congressional district.[1] He ran against Jeff Miller.
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[edit] Background
[edit] Biography
Joe Roberts is a native of Pensacola, and graduated from the University of West Florida with a double major in Biology and Psychology. He also graduated from Pensacola Junior College with an Associates Degree.[2] His wife, Sharon McMurrain Roberts, also a native Pensacolian, is employed by the State of Florida as an Official Court Reporter for the First Judicial Circuit. Joe and Sharon have two daughters, Leala, 24, and Lindsey, 20.[2]
According to his campaign website, Joe is a strong believer in the family unit as the "basic institution of American culture... [and will] promote the interests of the American family when drafting legislation."[citation needed] He also states that "As an avid outdoorsman, Joe has a strong appreciation and respect for nature. He believes that corporate profit should never come before the health of our planet."[citation needed] Joe also disagrees with gun control.[3]
[edit] Career
Joe served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He also served in the United States Army and United States Air Force Reserve from 1980 to 2005, and was on active duty in support of military operations in Central and South America, Bosnia, Eastern Europe, and more recently, Operation Enduring Freedom.[2]
For many years, Joe worked as a carpenter and has been a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. His military training in the field of Aerospace Maintenance led him to work at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.[2]
According to his website,
"Joe will bring many years of work and life experience to Washington. His strong military background and his experiences as a combat-tested veteran and NCO Leadership Instructor will enable him to make critical national defense and veterans' affairs decisions based on his own understanding and knowledge, rather than relying on the advice of those who have not served."[citation needed]
[edit] Travels
Joe has participated in humanitarian aid and Christian missionary work in several countries, including Russia and Honduras.[citation needed] As a C-130 Crew Chief with the Air Force Reserve, he worked and lived in many foreign cultures including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. According to his website, "His understanding of these people and their cultures will be invaluable in dealing effectively with foreign affairs as your representative in the U.S. House of Representatives."[citation needed]
[edit] Politics
According to his website, Joe is a conservative Democrat who believes in a literal interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and responsible fiscal policy.[4][5] This is consistent with politics in the region.[6] He also criticizes Miller for his towing the Republican party line on the Iraq War,[7] along with other issues important to voters in Northwest Florida.[8]
[edit] Issues
According to his website, the main focus of his campaign and tenure in office will be to raise the standard of living of Northwest Floridians by bringing more high paying light industry and high-tech jobs to the Panhandle."[9] Joe, whose grandparents were farmers in Northwest Florida, will also promote legislation aimed at protecting and reinvigorating family farms and agricultural entrepreneurship throughout the region.[9]
[edit] References
- ^ Pensacola News Journal, September 20, 2006
- ^ a b c d Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Profile on Joe Roberts
- ^ Joe Roberts on Gun Control
- ^ Joe Roberts' Blog: Why I'm Running
- ^ Joe Roberts on Conservatism
- ^ Pensacola News Journal, October 28, 2006
- ^ Pensacola Beach Blog: Joe Roberts for Congress
- ^ Joe Roberts: The Truth About Miller
- ^ a b Joe Roberts on the Economy
