Emmanuel Jorge-Garcia

Emmanuel Jorge-Garcia earned a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree from Polytechnic University in 2012 and 2016, respectively. His career experience includes working as a chemical engineer.[1]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased July 19, 2023

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Emmanuel Jorge Garcia. I am 36yrs old and a loving husband and father of two children. Being a bilingual Puerto Rican-born American citizen married to a naturalized Panamanian woman, I embody the strength of America's diverse fabric and the value of embracing different cultures. Furthermore, Politics and philosophy have captivated me since a young age, fueled by the lessons of history and the unique political circumstance of my homeland as a U.S. territory.

I am a practicing Chemical and Manufacturing Engineer working for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. With a background in Chemical Engineering, I am acutely aware of the importance of clean energy production and the consequences of industrial byproducts in our environment. Therefore I am guided by pragmatism and driven by logic, making my approach to politics one grounded in finding practical solutions that yield positive outcomes for society.

The upstate New York community holds a special place in my heart, as it became the backdrop for significant milestones in my life, including the birth of my daughter, the friendships of my son, and the establishment of my first home and marriage. Arriving in New York in 2018, I experienced the lockdowns firsthand, witnessing the toll they took on my neighbor's lives and their careers. This motivated me to advocate for balanced emergency measures that respect individual rights while prioritizing public health.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am an operative and practicing Chemical Engineer, under retirement age, who understands the needs of our nation's production and the importance of renewable energies with a focus on Nuclear Power.Wholesome American family values and invested in the safety, education and future of the nation's youth.As a private citizen, not a career politician, I will be embolden and empowered by private citizens to fight tooth and nail for the interest of regular people and their economy, not just wall street's economy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Gun control is an essential issue to me. I believe in striking a balance between individual rights and public safety. I advocate for responsible gun ownership measures and comprehensive background checks to reduce gun violence and protect communities.

I am also deeply committed to corporate taxation reform, aiming to ensure that corporations contribute their fair share to society, fostering a more equitable economic landscape and funding vital public services.

Moreover, I am enthusiastic about energy production and sustainability. I advocate for policies that promote clean and renewable energy sources, with Nuclear Power and Energy at the forefront. I recognize the importance of combating climate change and reducing environmental impact.

Lastly, my passion for equality of rights for all Americans citizens drives me to support and fight for social justice and inclusivity. I aim to reduce discrimination and ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, enjoys equal opportunities and protections under the law.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal. He is an example to follow for his steadfast faith in our great experiment and his commitment to serve the people first. During a time of great schism in our country and the enduring economic woes of the regular citizens, FDR's accomplishments resound perfectly with the current circumstances of the nation.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Understanding that you are being elected to serve the public not dictate your philosophies onto them. Therefore it is imperative that representatives and elected officials carry themselves humbly and continually communicate with the people they represent.

Honor, Truth and Morality above all else.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Empathy. Logic and Pragmatism. Team-player.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Represent the People in the halls of power.

Secure bipartisan agreement for advancing bills, to ensure efficient use of tax payer money.

Check and Balances for the executive branch.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Be part of a bigger movement that saw the United States of America strong and united again.

A stronger United States of America, where resources are used efficiently and adequately to address the needs and wants of our citizens. A just United States of America, where the people are not oppressed and subjugated by corporations.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I remember clearly was unfortunately 9-11 and the tragic and terrible attack on our nation. I was in 9th grade and remember being taken out of class by the school's priest and taken to our amphitheater where we witnessed the ensuing live broadcast of that fateful day.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as an assistant brewer for the Artisan Brewery Old Harbor Brewery, in San Juan Puerto Rico. I was on the job for under 2 years until the company closed its doors. During that time I was promoted twice, to secondary brewer and later to Plant Manager.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Prince by Nicholas Machiavelli.

The Prince describes everything wrong with politics and rulers, using history to drive its arguments, while giving the public the necessary tools to disarm them and hold them accountable.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Ahsoka Tano because She chose the ethics and truth over the Jedi Order, without becoming a Sith. To me, within the Star Wars world, she embodies the idea that you do not have to deal in absolutes.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Whoopsies - Gabby's Dollhouse (My daughter's favorite show)

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Self Doubt.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Every crucial discussion, debate or idea tends to start in the US House of Representatives. Being able to represent my constituents and debate on the essence of legislative work that is advanced to the Senate.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

All experience is valuable, however it doesn't have to be within government. Government Processes and procedures can be taught and learned, but experience has to be acquired with time. Nonetheless political experience, I argue, can be obtained in other places outside of public office.

For example, during my time as a Chemical Engineer part of my job has been to successfully persuade skeptical audiences and reluctant bodies, while honing my skills in justifying impactful projects. Establishing lasting relationships and bridges, and ensuring my ideas become transformative realities.

In other words, pitching a process improvement or process change project to upper or middle management is a highly political endeavor and requires political prowess.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Unity and Bipartisan agreements. There is also a great necessity for the government to regain the people's faith and trust in our system of governance.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No. Everything takes time, and even in Private industry any important project takes more than two years from beginning to end. Two years forces representatives to spend more time fundraising than legislating.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am open to the discussion of Term limits, however I would focus more on Age Limits for all public officials.

Great things take time, and the constant changing of representatives could serve to impede growth and accumulation of experience and political prowess. However, as our representatives reach more advance age they tend to lose patience, lose connection with the constituents, and lose the necessary vigor to work ardently and diligently for our citizens.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I would point to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a source of inspiration. Her unwavering championing of the people's needs and the grassroots movement that saw an older democratic incumbent defeated, echo the goals of my own candidacy.

I would also mention Liz Cheney, not on account of her legislative work or legacy, but because when the time came to choose between loyalty to country or loyalty to party, she chose loyalty to our country.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is the foundation of democracy as it inherently means that there will be a minority that will not necessarily agree with decisions taken. However their concerns need to be addressed adequately without ignoring or belittling their opinions and/or views. They still deserve to be represented and to chase the American dream.

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