Octavio Hernandez

Octavio Hernandez was born in Mexico City, Mexico. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida in 2015. His career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

American Mexican Immigrant, father, teacher and community activist. I am a middle-class citizen that believes the idea that every American citizen has the right to have their voice heard.

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?

Champion of Mental HeathAdvocate for Public EducationSmart Growth

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Education and mental health are the issues that I am passionate about. As a teacher, I have learned the importance of having the tools to better provide our teachers in order to give our students the best education possible. I have also seen the need for more mental health professionals that are needed in our community.

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

A Philip Randolph, he created the first African American Union in the South in the early 1900. The fact that his message got across as a black man in the South is something to look up to. At the end of the day, everyone respects hard work.

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

The Alchemist, its better to learn a lesson from the failures of life, than to live with the regrets of not taking any chances.

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

A person of action. Words explain who you are what you believe, however, actions prove it. A person of action is someone that does what they say.

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

Not afraid to have uncomfortable conversations. Empathetic listening, positive and uplifting mindset.

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

To represent the best interest of their constituents by being their voice in their government.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I was a positive role model for my students.

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

The Berlin Wall coming down.

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

Dishwasher, 3 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

Gemini Contenders, great thriller, and first time I noticed difference in story telling between authors.

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

Sherlock Holmes,

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

Monaco, Bad Bunny

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

Immigration

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Open Communication, our job is to listen to our community and help relay the message to our Governor, having an open communication channel is crucial to creating positive and constructive policy's.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Meeting our Public education demands and cost of living.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes and no, it can be beneficial to get things expedited, however, new legislators must represent the community and as the population is constantly growing, new issues could arise that experienced legislators are not privy to.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, we are part of the process. Democracy is all of us. Having close relationships is crucial for our Democracy to be successful. The smartest person in the room is the room. Listening to others is part of communication process and we cannot communicate properly if we don't have good communication to build great relationships.

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

JFK.

Old enough to know, young enough to do.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Yes, State Senate

Both sitting legislators 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?

When teachers have to work extra jobs to pay for chemotherapy. It's difficult to hear story after story of teachers that cannot make ends meet. However, seeing a teacher delivering pizzas in order to live is one of the reasons I am running for office.

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

Absolutely, my ideology to policy making is to focus on the solution not who is at fault.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

All Florida schools are required to give students a minimum lunch of 30 minutes.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Polk County Democrats