A Republican, he represents District 16, which is primarily Jacksonville’s Southside but also includes parts of the west side.
Election history
He lost to Mark Mahon for the seat in 2005, but won the seat over former City Council President Lad Daniels in 2007 after Mahon was appointed to the bench. He was re-elected in 2009 over Debra Jahns-Nelsen, taking almost 80 percent.
Education
University of Florida undergraduate and law school. Phi Beta Kappa and member of Blue Key and Order of the Barristers.
Civic highlights
Past president, Jacksonville Jaycees and Civic Round Table. Past board member, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Occupation
Business attorney in own practice since 2004. Previously, he was an Assistant State Attorney for six years, then a partner in Fischette, Owen, Held and McBurney.
Family
Wife Katherine, a music teacher at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School. One daughter, Madeline.
What he drives
A black Toyota Corolla convertible.
Family tie to politics
His stepfather was the late Rep. Bill Chappell of Daytona Beach.
On stimulus money
“There’s no such thing as ‘free money,’ particularly when the government is involved. The stimulus money will go away, but the programs will remain and we’ll have to fund them.”
On funding
“Florida has always relied on the three-legged stool of agriculture, growth and tourism to make its money. That’s not enough now. We have to diversify.”
Taxes
“There’s no move out there to raise taxes.”
Pet project
To require a semester of civics to be taught in middle schools. “Forty percent of Floridians can’t name the three branches of government, but 80 percent know two of the Three Stooges.”