Steve Farley

Steve Farley was born in Smithtown, New York. He served in the U.S. Army. He earned a high school diploma from Smithtown West High School.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was a soldiers, and I am a novelist

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 want my district to preserve as much farm land as we can. We are overestimating growth and the demand will slow. Florida is the second largest producer of beef in the United States, if we keep losing land for more subdivisions the price of beef will continue to skyrocket.Artificial intelligence should scare us all. At its current stage it’s faulty and predictable that will change, we need clear rules for governing this technology.The Republican Party needs to evolve, we are incensed with rabbit hole conspiracies. Yes always be skeptical what someone says, but learn to do your own research. Real research, not YouTube, Reddit but make it so when you argue a point you are stating facts, tangible facts. We need decorum, civility, yes debate but be open to other points of view.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Social Security

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

My whole life I have loved reading adventure novels. My role model was South African novelist Wilbur Smith. He has such a way with words it is like being transported in time to a wild a chaotic world of beauty and fear. Theodore Roosevelt is another Role model of mine, a sickly boy who became an adventurer.

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

I am an adventure novelist, many of my novels take place in real settings and the characters represent often times real people faced with difficult decisions.

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

Transparency, you must be accountable to your constituents.

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

I am pragmatic and a task oriented hard worker. I read everything, I have fantastic memory, I can not just recall the names and faces of every person I meet but can remember point by point our conversations.

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

As the district representative you are the voice for the constituents. Your Vote will affect their tax rate, soldiers pay. You will help to decide the laws they follow and more humbling your vote can help to keep their children from going to war. Most importantly you are part of the checks and balances of the government, you help to keep the other branches from overstepping their power.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I am not interested in personal legacy, this is a job there is work to do. I want to make sure my constituents have the keys to live the best life they can, I don’t see myself going on to another office, when there is someone better than I am at the job I will step away.

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

It was in 1998, I was seven at the time. My mother and father were watching the news. It was about the Kosovo war, I was shocked about the cruelty of the war. I want to avoid war at all costs, but I want us to be well prepared when the time comes for us to fight.

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

Hotel night auditor

What is your favorite book? Why?

There are so many, most vain authors would pick their own novels, truth is I have read my books each about a hundred times and I love them. My favorite all time novel has to either “When a lion feeds.” by Wilbur Smith or probably Rage by Wilbur Smith. When a lion feeds is the novel that started my love for adventure novels. But Rage is a detailed account of the waning days of the Apartheid government in South Africa, it was a vivid story full of twists and turns.

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

Definitely not Holden Caulfield from catcher in the rye, he was annoying. Probably Sean Courtney in when the lion feeds, by Wilbur Smith

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

Why should I worry, the song from the movie Oliver and Company

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

Growing up in working class family what wasn’t a struggle. Parents did everything they could to keep us fed, clothed and cared for, somehow on a shoe string budget we got to enjoy birthdays, Christmas’s and summer vacations. But I think that adversity can help us in the long run, and yet that struggle is something I am thankful that my children won’t have to see.

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

435 people work together to craft legislation that affects millions of people.

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

No, I believe having a diverse house allows for more productive debate, having different backgrounds in a microcosm gives accurate representation to the macrocosm or the people.

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

Student debt, Social Security, Weaponization of Space, Artificial Intelligence, reproductive rights.

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

Yes, it is enough time to write meaningful legislation and represent our districts.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The ballot box is the term limit, voters will and should hold you accountable for your actions and record. However I do not seek to supersede established laws on term limits. The executive branch or the judicial branch need to keep their term limits.

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

Theodore Roosevelt

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?

Yes, I have heard many wonderful and humbling stories. I do my best not to stand on the shoulders of others, if the people I speak with wish me to tell their stories I will be honored to do so.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I am a soldier none of the jokes I know are appropriate to tell.

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

We should all be open to new ideas and evidence they may contradict our known beliefs and knowledge and if that happens be open to hearing another side.. My loyalty is to the people of my district and if policy benefits them I am open to a compromise.

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?

It’s a delicate balance. We need many things to be funded and there a limits on how much can be spent. When I vote in regards to raising revenue I want to be sure that it is actually going to be used in the benefit of our citizens.

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

These powers need to be used for matters of true importance, not grandstanding or attempting to get a sound bite on the evening news. There are real things that need priority. The safety and security of the people and preservation of the constitution is of the upmost importance.

What committees interest you?

Armed Services, Ways and Means.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

No one is perfect. At least be honest about your shortcomings. The government is run by people, all people are imperfect and there for make mistakes, own those mistakes, learn from them.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a community leader who is passionate about fighting for the issues I believe 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?

Cut government spendingStrong boardersSecure social security for our parents, they paid into it, it’s their money

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want bills to be easier for tax payers to read, they deserve to understand what is being voted on. We must come together as a country, division between the two parties is endangering our republic. I am against book banning, social censorship and would like as smoother immigration process for workers would will contribute positively to our country.