Matthew Montavon

Matthew Montavon was born in South Bend, Indiana. Montavon earned a bachelor's degree from the Catholic University of America in 1978 and a graduate degree from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 1984. His career experience includes working in public administration. He served in the Peace Corps; worked with the Illinois Migrant Council and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; and held roles in planning and financial management for governments in West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Montavon has been affiliated with the Sarasota County Democratic Party and the Sarasota Democratic Hispanic Caucus.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for the US Congress because

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I believe in Democracy,

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I believe that people can still have a voice in their future,

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I believe we need to make choices that will provide for an economy for all, for universal health care, for immigration justice, for combating climate change and protecting the environment, and for a women’s right to choose.

My background is public service, from the Peace Corps, to working six years with local governments and national associations, to working 27 years with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization combating hunger and poverty around the world. I am a compassionate individual, and throughout my life I have looked for opportunities to contribute to the community. I have volunteered for food pantries, Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, hurricane relief and in many other roles.

What I will bring to Congress is

• a sense of compassion for people and the recognition that sometimes people need a hand up, not a hand down.

• An ethical standing that recognized that I am there as a servant of the people, and not to promote my own interests or wealth.

• Diplomatic and political skills to work with anyone to find solutions to our district’s and our nation’s problems.

• Having an understanding of how government works through my years of working in government.

• A world perspective that understands our value, our place and our contribution to the world

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 will work to fund critical government programs and agencies, expand public services that make our democracy stronger, including education, the transition to renewable energy, voting access, foreign aid, and civil rights protection.

I will work to end the abuse of executive power, establishing legislation to ensure the independence of the U.S. Department of Justice from political interference and protect Inspectors General, Assistant Attorneys General, and federal regulatory board members from unlawful dismissals.

I will work to strengthen independent oversight of the federal government by establishing ethics standards and implement stronger rules against federal officials profiting from their official actions.I will work to expand affordable housing through federal support for the construction of affordable housing units, incentivize local development, and strengthen programs for renter support to ensure everyone affords a place to live.

I will also work to lower the cost of living for working families through the control of inflation addressing the rising cost of groceries, utilities, and everyday essentials through sound economic policies.

I will work to make healthcare affordable and accessible by protecting the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid in the short-term while pushing for universal healthcare in the long term. This will ensure that no American is forced to choose between medical care and financial stability.I will work to reform immigration enforcement including advocating for the elimination of ICE in its current form and bring US immigration enforcement into line with international human rights standards. Detention should only be used under strict, limited conditions and as a measure of last resort.

I will insist on legislation that bars all law enforcement agents from wearing masks or otherwise concealing their identities while on duty. I will also push actions to enforce standards of conduct to hold those agents accountable for any abuses.

I will also work on immigration reform to create a comprehensive pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and long-term undocumented immigrants who contribute to our country.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My passion is everything we need to do to help our country be the best it can be: protecting our democracy, an economy for all, for universal health care, for immigration justice, for combating climate change and protecting the environment, a women’s right to choose, gun safety, voter rights, campaign finance and ethics reform, veterans’ services, foreign policy and our place in the world, and respecting personal liberties.

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

Integrity and commitment to promote the general welfare. Commitment to democracy, our Constitution, and the rule of law.

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

To be an honest representative of the people's will, and to be in contact with constituents to understand their issues and concerns. To be a true public servant, promoting the general welfare and not using the position to further one's own personal wealth or interests.

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

When I was eight years old, I remember the assassination of President Kennedy. The emotion and sadness at the time raised my awareness of the significance of political leadership and the value of high ideals. Perhaps that is why I joined the Peace Corps years later.

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

My first job was as a shoe salesman at a Kinney shoe store in West Springfield, Virginia during high school. I held the job for my entire senior

year until I went off to college. It was generally a good experience serving customers. I remember I had a couple of difficult days. One time a woman came in wanting high boots and she was very difficult to fit. I must have pulled out every type of boot in the store but eventually found a pair she liked. Another time we had a snowstorm and we were swamped with customers looking for winter boots. We managed and were happy to have had a successful day of sales while satisfying most customers.

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

Theoretically it should be the people’s house and represent the voice of the constituents. However, in recent years that seems less valid due to

gerrymandering and money in politics. Representatives become so secure in their seats that they easily ignore the voice of their constituents.

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

Yes, that experience in government at other levels adds to the expertise of a Representative. Working in government and understanding the processes and functioning of government is definitely a benefit although not a requirement in all cases.

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

The greatest challenge is maintaining an economy for all. More and more of the nation’s wealth is accumulating in the hands of the top ten percent, while the middle class is declining and the working people are finding it impossible to make ends meet even with full-time jobs. This inequality is a risk to our society and our democracy.

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

Yes, representatives need to be frequently reconfirmed by their constituents so they are responsive to the needs of the district. Unfortunately, money in politics and gerrymandering have lessened the effectiveness of frequent elections.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am not in favor of term limits. There is value to good people remaining in Congress and being able to deliver well for the American people. The problem with our elections today is the danger of money in politics. The unlimited flood of money from wealthy donors and corporations means politicians are no longer beholden to their constituents. We need more control over money in politics to improve the responsiveness of Congressional Representatives to their everyday constituents.

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

Politics is the give and take to find the best solution among many needs and demands. There are occasions though when laws have to

be made on principles, and in these cases, compromise becomes difficult.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Matt was born in South Bend, Indiana, into a family of nine children. Beginning in high school and throughout college, he worked odd jobs to help support himself.

Matt received a bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish from The Catholic University of America, graduating with honors. He received a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Matt served two years in Central America as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in a rural area on an agriculture and grain storage program. He then worked with the Illinois Migrant Council out of Carbondale, Illinois serving migrant farm-workers and rural disadvantaged people.

Matt worked for a number of years in urban and regional planning and finance for local, regional, and national organizations in West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Matt produced several publications which supported the improvement and efficiency of government.

Matt had a distinguished career with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based in Rome, Italy, retiring following 27 years of service. At FAO, Matt's work supported a wide variety of programs to fight hunger and improve food and agricultural systems around the world.

Matthew and Marjorie E. were married in 1991 and had two children. Marjie passed away from cancer in 2019.

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?

Throughout the years Matt has been a faithful Democrat, contributing to and volunteering for various campaigns even before he was old enough to vote. While working in Italy, he promoted voting among the American community, and for several years, he served as the chairperson for the Rome Chapter of the Democrats Abroad, the overseas arm of the Democratic Party. He currently serves as the President of the Sarasota Democratic Hispanic Caucus.Matt has always been involved in community activities such as volunteering for food pantries, Habitat for Humanity, and Operation BBQ Relief in Ft. Myers following Hurricane Ian. He was also a Boy Scout Leader, an Officer in the Federation of International Civil Servants' Associations, and the President of the FAO Credit Union. He currently serves as a volunteer co-coordinator of the AARP Tax-Aide program. He received an award in 2023 for outstanding service to the program.Through Matt's work and volunteering, he has demonstrated his lifelong commitment to improving our communities. Matt has a deep understanding of and empathy for people. Matt's experiences through public and international service have given him the skills to address the pressing issues facing our district and country.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am running to become your congressman in Florida's 17th District. I put my candidacy forward to give the good people of this district what they deserve — principled leadership. I will listen to you and address your concerns regarding the environment, transitioning to a green economy, protecting social security and Medicare, defending a women's right to taking decisions regarding her health, addressing affordable housing and disaster recovery, working for jobs and prosperity, promoting voter rights and protecting individual rights.

I spent my career making organizations work better, and I will pursue solutions for these and other issues in a bipartisan and proactive way. It is not a single issue but a slew of issues that are under assault and need advocacy and protection. ​I will be a public servant focused on getting things done for our beloved community, state, and country.

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

When I was eight years old I remember the assassination of President Kennedy. The emotion and sadness at the time raised my awareness to the significance of political leadership and the value of high ideals.