Omar Reyes

Omar Reyes was born in New York, New York. He received an associate degree from the State University of New York at Farmingdale in 2001. His professional experience includes working as a network architect.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a network engineer with over 20 years of experience in information technology across academia, healthcare, and the private sector. I am the son of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, husband, caregiver, gamer, and a music lover. I believe everyone deserves a basic level of respect and treated with such. We share this world but experience it differently, we must do what we can to make this a world worth living in.

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?

Cyber security is a national security issue.We need a freedom dividend and medicare for all to combat the job losses from automation and A.I.We must take action to adapt to the climate crisis.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about our technology policy. Our current leadership does not understand how technology works and many still believe technology is an unnecessary aspect of American life. Technology, more specifically - the internet, has become an essential aspect of social and economic development. As healthcare costs rise, insurance companies have been dictating what treatments are best suited for patients instead of doctors. Healthcare should not be a for profit endeavor to benefit shareholders. South Florida prides itself on the beauty of its beaches and diversity in its wildlife. We need to take swift action to clean our waters, make clean energy our primary source of energy, do what we can to minimize our carbon footprint, bolster our disaster response to promptly restore normalcy after extreme weather events, and work with developing nations to use clean environmental practices so their industrial practices do not affect our environment.

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

My wife. She's an activist that does not let her ailment hold her back from helping others. She is the strongest person I know.

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

Integrity, discipline, and a commitment to public service. Our democracy fails when the population cannot trust their representatives are working for their constituents.

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

The budget is a reflection of the values and priorities of an elected officials' constituency. It is imperative for an elected official to listen and understand the concerns of the constituents so the representative may translate those concerns into line items that support the various agencies whose programs will best serve the community.

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

The NASA space shuttle Challenger disaster. I was seven years old at the time and watched it live.

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

My first job was as a clerk at my dad's grocery store in the Bronx.

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

Jee Veerey, a song about mental health and perseverance by the Indian rock group 'Bloodywood'

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

The US House of Representatives has the closest proximity to the people and understands their needs as reflected through their budget priorities.

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

I believe there is a benefit to having previous government or political experience, but it is not an essential aspect of governance. A representative must be able to bring expertise in subject matters that affect the community and be a public servant, not fulfilling a self-serving agenda.

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

Addressing the ever-evolving technological landscape which poses a threat to our democracy and even our perception of reality.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would prefer to be a part of the committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Transportation and Infrastructure.

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

Yes, two years is the right term length for representatives.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe representatives should serve no more than three terms in office. Many representatives go into office with a set of ideas for the era in which they entered office. In order for a nation to move forward, ideas must be refreshed and the future generation must be able to implement solutions to the issues affecting their generation.

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