by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Jennifer Carroll isn’t writing a book on what it’s like to be a political pioneer, but she could. The Florida Legislature’s first elected African-American female Republican, Carroll understands that she’s setting a precedent with every Capitol assignment she accepts.
“I didn’t even know that I was going to be the first when I was thinking of running,” said Carroll. “It obviously presents a challenge, an elevated responsibility, but I accept it and I’d love to set an example and see others follow in my footsteps.”
Now in her second term, Carroll has risen to the rank of Majority Party Whip within the House of Representatives. A high profile and influential position, she calls it an honor and is careful to take it “very seriously.”
“I do because I’ve taken a large step closer toward having my voice heard as we determine what direction the party is going to take,” said Carroll, also vice chair of the Ethics and Election Committee and a member of the Finance & Tax, Growth Management and Business Regulation committees. “And I have to be prepared to offer guidance and be accountable to the party as we move through the legislative process.”
Playing against the idea that a party whip should function as a disciplinarian or taskmaster, Carroll likened herself to being a guide and a communicator.
“I think that’s a more accurate way to look at it,” she said. “My goal is to help our members know all of the information they need to know and use our best conduct. It’s not about being self-serving.”
Carroll said she brings a strong voice to the table, thanks in part to her 20-year stint in the U.S. Navy. She enlisted in 1979 and rose to Lieutenant Commander Aviation Maintenance Officer before retiring.
“That was good training for me in a lot of ways,” she said. “In the military, you have to be able to adapt to the needs and wants of all kinds of people. And because you have to earn respect as you go, I know what it’s like to be an Indian and a chief.”
And that ability to empathize with a large cross-section of personalities can go a long way, Carroll said. After all, in the legislature, nobody is taking orders.
“Exactly, and that’s why it’s important for me to understand people’s needs and wants,” she said. “That direct contact and an open mind can go a long way when you’re trying to make someone feel comfortable and be receptive to your ideas. And for me, having humility helps a lot.”
And even as responsibilities continue to pile upon her plate — outside of Tallahassee, Carroll keeps in contact with her Clay County and west Jacksonville constituents, speaks at events across the state and remains committed to husban Nolan and their three children — the strong-willed legislator says she remains focused on the future, while striving towards professional and personal goals.
“It’s a balancing act and it’s not easy but the Lord has been good to me and I feel the drive to make the most of the opportunities that I’ve been presented with,” she said. “The days are long. This isn’t a part-time job, but I refuse to find fault with that. Compared to being away on a six-month deployment, this is a piece of cake.”
Her initial ambition was the U.S. House and she took two shots at Rep. Corrine Brown, losing both times, before getting the Tallahassee seat vacated when Steve Wise ran for the Senate. She defeated former School Board member Linda Sparks to get the job.
She says doesn’t know what role she’ll be asked to fill during next year’s session, but admitted that she’d like it to directly benefit her constituency.
“If possible I’d like to chair a committee, do something that will allow me to positively impact the voters who put me here,” Carroll said. “I want to craft good policy, work on improving education.
“Some folks may do this for ulterior motives, but I do it because I believe in making things better without ever compromising my integrity. And if I never get any recognition, that’s fine.”