Jose Dieppa

Jose Dieppa served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 to 2005. Dieppa earned a graduate degree from Embry Riddle University in 2015 and a graduate degree from Barry University in 2019.

His career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a regular "Joe" who is tired of listening how dysfunctional Congress is. I decided to be part of the solution by running for Congress. I have a plan to fix Congress and I need everyone in the country to help!

I'm not naive. I worked in the Federal government for over 30 years and I know the challenges I have in front of me. I am educated, energetic, transparent, and trustworthy. My main goal is to plant the seed of change in the country by encouraging the new generation to join Congress. I believe in Congressional term limits and while this is highly unpopular with those sitting in Congress, there are a few things we "The People" can do to dislodge and drain the Congressional swamp of career politicians. I will only serve a maximum of two terms if elected.

On a personal note, I have two successful adult children who are engineers. I have been a long term resident of Brevard County since 1992. I am a widower.

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 mainly concerned over those individuals who can and don't vote. They are a product of a campaign established by the ultra-rich to abandon hope in our democratic system. My most important task is to encourage the new generation to become an active participant in the democratic process. I want them to run for office!!Congress is currently dysfunctional and it is everyone's fault. The ultra-rich (billionaires) and foreign lobbyists have been in charge for decades. For that reason, we "The People" need to vote out all incumbent politicians. They are tainted with lobbyists money and are no longer serving you, the voter! Congressional terms limits and caps on lobbying (>$1k) should be a no-brainer but the idea is not popular among those in power. Voting them out is the only way to make Congress better.We need to simplify our tax code and get rid of the IRS. Our tax code dates back to the American Civil War. Not even tax attorneys and IRS employees know everything about the current tax code. A change is overdue.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm interested in public policy that builds trust with the American people. Transparency and trust are key elements to Americans returning to voting booths. For that reason, I am passionate about Congressional term limits, caps on lobbying, foreign economic assistance, and the aging tax code. Voters have the power to excise Congress every election but we need to encourage people of age to vote. If Congress is routinely removed from office, power will return to the voter; the ultra-rich will have a difficult time lobbying/maintaining control of our government.

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

My father. He is still living and an example to all. He never complained. Instead, he did what was in his power to make things better. He is a true servant of people.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips. The book is very useful in cementing one's political philosophy and leadership skills.

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

Trustworthiness, transparency, Collaboration, and communication.

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

I have been a long term resident of Brevard county. I have worked at Patrick Space Force Base, Brevard Achievement Center, and as a Real Estate Agent for many years. I understand what Brevard residents go through because I live among them (and not in a gated community). I understand that making $15 an hour and paying over $2k a month in rent does not add up. I also know that paying $5 for a bottled of water (an essential need for survival) is insane. I can emphasize with people because I have sold water on street corners, I have volunteered to feed people a soup kitchens, and I have helped build homes at Habitat for Humanity. In other words, I am a Doer! I see a need and I help. I can also use my skills to work compromises without compromising integrity.

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

Core responsibilities of any elected official are to uphold the Constitution and the law of the land, and to work for the American people within the parameters of the established law.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy is to bring back voters to the polls. To have the American people once more trust their government. To encourage the young generation to run for public office.

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

There have been many events which I consider historical. The fall of the Berlin Wall was one of those which brought me hope. I believe I was 27 and serving in the U.S. Air Force.

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

My very first job was delivering newspapers. I served in that role from age 12 to age 16.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Road Less Travelled. Psychology has been a favorite subject of mine for a Long time. I like to know why people do the things they do.

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

Superman. I can travel back in time and fix a few mistakes.

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

Angels

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

Equality. I was born an American in Puerto Rico. While in the military, I was sometimes treated as a second class citizen. Luckily, I no longer struggle with that but I advocate for the less fortunate as long as they are willing to do the work to improve their lives.

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

The House of Representatives have the unique power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an Electoral College tie.

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

No but it helps to understand how the government works.

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

As our Nation ages, our greatest challenge is to remain true to the Constitution and our freedoms. The influence placed by the ultra-rich and foreign governments on our people is palpable everywhere. They have successfully discouraged the new generation from voting in elections; hence, changes in our way of life can be implemented without much resistance.

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

No. Four years should be the right amount for representatives. They should serve no more than two terms.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are an absolute necessity in Congress. Term limits provide an opportunity to bring in new and fresh ideas as well as removing old and entrenched individuals who no longer serve the people.

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

My contender. Bill Posey has been of value to Brevard county. At 76, Bill should retire and encourage younger people to run for his seat.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard many young people arguing about why they don't participate in general elections. It is disheartening to hear the reasons why but I understand why they don't vote. They believe their time spent at the voting booth will be a waste of time and things will never change. This lack of hope is what those in charge have been promoting for decades. Because when people don't vote, they are giving up their rights.

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

Compromise is an absolute necessity in policymaking.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Huge! Raising revenue utilizing an old and complex tax code is not efficient, nor fair to its citizens. It is time to simplify the tax code and eliminate the IRS.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Investigative powers should only be used when evidence is unsurmountable and affecting government. It should NEVER be used to persecute a political opponent.

What committees interest you?

The Joint Committee on taxation attracts me as I believe we are past due a major overhaul in our tax code.

The Ethics Committee also attracts me as I would like to restrain lobbying to less than $1k per contributor.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

A democratic government must be transparent and accountable for every dollar that is collected from their citizens. Hence a reason why the American people don't trust government.