The Floridant - Navy Veteran Tom Keen Runs for Florida House 35

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ORLANDO, Fla. - Floridant -- Tom Keen, who served for 21 years as a Naval Flight Officer, announced today that he will be running for Florida House of Representatives District 35, which represents large areas of both Orange and Osceola counties.

In the wake of current Rep. Fred Hawkins' expected departure to lead South Florida State College — a decision that has been met with criticism given the expedited selection process and adjusted qualification standards — Keen is stepping up to provide the reliable representation that District 35 needs.

"This is the second time within a short span that the residents of District 35 have found themselves feeling abandoned and without adequate representation, as their elected officials prematurely vacated their roles to pursue personal pursuits," Keen said.

Recognizing the real struggles Floridians are facing in these uncertain times, Keen is determined to bring tangible, meaningful change as the representative of District 35.

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"The current economic slowdown and rising inflation are not just statistics to me – they represent families struggling to put food on the table, businesses shuttering their doors, and dreams being put on hold," Keen said. "The skyrocketing insurance premiums have hit our community hard."

In his view, the government should be a force for good, fostering economic growth and stability, not exacerbating challenges. The recent cancellation by The Walt Disney Company of a significant relocation plan involving over 2,000 highly-paid Disney employees provides a stark example of how government overreach can negatively impact economic progress.

"These power dynamics and retaliatory politics do not serve the best interests of Floridians or their economic stability," Keen said. "We need to redirect political focus toward addressing the current economic challenges, improving job security, and creating opportunities for all residents."

As he observes the population growth of the district, Keen pledges to expand affordable housing options and boost incomes for Floridians. He holds a strong belief in the crucial role of education in society, promising to ardently defend it. Keen stands alongside teachers, advocates for substantial public school funding, and unequivocally opposes any book bans that he sees as un-American and obstructive to the free flow of ideas.

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His vision for education is inclusive, ensuring all students, irrespective of their backgrounds, feel both welcome and secure within their educational environments. Additionally, Keen is committed to protecting personal rights and freedom including reproductive rights, and safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In terms of public safety, he believes in a balanced approach including backing common-sense gun safety measures while also supporting law enforcement.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/KeenForFL for the complete news release.