One in a series of profiles on state representatives and senators leading to the opening of the legislative session Jan. 22
Aaron Bean is the state representative for District 12. He was elected to the Florida House in 2000.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN POLITICS?
“I worked for [U.S. Sen.] Connie Mack in [Washington] D.C. as a fellow from 1989 to 1990, writing bills and position papers. Then I went to the legislative studies institute to become part of the Senate staff. I ran for city commissioner and mayor of Fernandina Beach, serving for two years. Mack was kind of my mentor because he was also a banker turned politician. I am serving with his son now, Connie Mack Jr.”
WHY GO INTO POLITICS?
“I was president of my student government association in college. I always had an interest in helping people and getting involved.”
ARE YOU RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION?
“Yes.”
HOW DO YOU STACK UP TO THE COMPETITION?
“I feel confident about my chances, but I know there is lots of work to do. I have to earn the people’s trust for another two years. [The competition] I really don’t know about because the redistricting lines were redrawn. I don’t even know which area we’ll be serving.”
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING YOUR CONSTITUENTS DURING THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND WHY?
“How to distribute the budget and spend the money. I want to make sure the small rural areas and the Northside and Westside are represented. I’ve got a big area. It takes a little extra hustle to get it done.”
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THE LEGISLATURE AS A WHOLE NEXT SESSION?
“Redistricting is starting to heat up. It’s tough. Everybody has got a different idea and they’re all worried about themselves. It probably will get heated.”
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
“Compass Bank. I’m the city president for Nassau County.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST YEAR IN THE LEGISLATURE REGARDING HOW YOU JUGGLED YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE DUTIES?
“It was a lot busier than I thought it would be but also a lot more rewarding because I was helping people make sure they get that check they were supposed to or were treated fairly by the State. I dig helping people and working with them. Compass gives me the extra time [to do that].”
WHAT’S BEEN MOST CHALLENGING FOR YOU?
“The extra work and the extra hustle. We [he and his family] have made it work. I spend more quality time with them than before. This job forces you to set priorities.”
DO YOU HAVE ASPIRATIONS FOR ANOTHER OFFICE?
“I am happy where I am now. I will look at other opportunities but I don’t have any plans right now.”
DO YOU THINK A PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR FLORIDA TO AVOID FUTURE BUDGET CUTS IS A WISE CHOICE?
“I am against a personal income tax. Florida is blessed with an adequate taxation system. We do not need to have an additional tax and I think the majority of the Florida House would be against any type of income tax. The worst is behind us. Things will pick up. Tourism is bouncing back in a big way and with that will come increased sales tax revenue. We’ll bring it back to where it was before.”
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
“I like spending time with my family, especially playing with the kids.” He recently ran a marathon at Disney to raise money for charity. Bean also plays golf and tennis.
WHAT’S YOUR HOMETOWN?
Fernandina Beach.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORK BACKGROUND.
“I used to own a Prudential real estate franchise but sold it five years ago. The opportunity arose to work at the bank. I was on the Compass board and had the opportunity to take over their loan operations. I also worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Fernandina for a couple of years.”
WHERE DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?
Jacksonville University.
WHAT CLASSES DID YOU TAKE IN COLLEGE?
“I was a pre-med student taking care of a family and got sick, too. Plus, I don’t do well with blood so I went for finance. I was two courses short of my economics major but I knew I was going to be in politics.”
HOW BIG IS YOUR FAMILY?
“I have been married to Abigail for nine years and we have three small children, Bradley, Gray and Walker. My wife is a full-time mom. I like to go anywhere with my family particularly to the zoo, carnivals or fairs.”
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE?
“Sometimes it’s a slow process but it’s still the best process there is.”
WHAT OTHER PUBLIC SERVICE HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council board member, former president of Nassau County Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the Fernandina Beach Rotary Club, chairman of United Way of Nassau County and board member of Nassau County YMCA.
ANYTHING ELSE OF INTEREST ABOUT YOU?
“I was a cheerleader at JU tossing girls around. That’s where I met my wife. Also, I was a history major and have done some teaching.” Additionally, Bean was named Best of the Best Elected Official in Nassau County while mayor of Fernandina Beach in 1998.
— by Monica Chamness