Government FRANK WHITE, a native of the Texas panhandle, is dipping his toes into the complex world of state politics when he officially assumes the role of District 2 state representative in just a few weeks. He has been active on the Florida Development Finance Corporation Board of Directors and the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees. When he is not working for his father-in-law Sandy Sansing, White also serves as a board member for Baptist Hospital, a mentor with Take Stock in Children, a lead organizer for Startup Weekend Pensacola, and is a former board member of the Pensacola M.E.S.S. Hall. He, his wife and three children live in Pensacola. White was unchallenged in the primary competition and beat out opponent Ray Guillory in the general.
Why did you get involved with politics in this divisive year? It was really about the opportunity to serve and make a difference. I saw the dynamics align to where there was a path. In knowing that public service is something I’ve always been interested in, this was the time when there was a clear path. We took a big risk and filed before some dominoes began to fall and some seats began to open up. As soon as that happened, we were off and running, knocking on doors, raising money, going to events, etc. That kept the primary path open and clear, which was a wonderful benefit working in the fall. Have you always had your eye on a legislative position? Yes and no. I’ve always been interested in it. I’ve never had a 30-step plan to become something like Secretary General or something. A long time ago, I learned to have plans but those plans never work out like you think they will. The opportunity was there, to
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and strengthen our economy and provide opportunity more broadly to everyone in the area. We’ll start The political newcomer is ready to represent to make improvements in a lot of Florida’s District 2 with a moderate voice, a the other challenges our society face like generational poverty, sensitive likability, and a sensible approach to healthcare outcomes, K-12 the state’s challenges. education, stronger community, BY JOSH NEWBY etc. As a region, we once had serve and make a difference. a strong, vibrant middle class I’m not playing House of Cards. Some that was based on a manufacturing economy. people I’ve met seem to be playing House of Things have changed in the region. As Cards. That’s not me and that’s not what’s globalization and automation has hit the entire going to make a legislation successful. manufacturing sector, in the area, that has eroded what was our stable middle class. So What are your priorities? kitchen table economics for people in our area Number one is the BP settlement are very different than they used to be. You TRIUMPH funds being invested in our have one- or two-parent households with at economy. The damage was done here, the least one job per person, and those jobs don’t settlement was intended to come here, and have as much stability as we thought they had. the legislature promised that it would. And Those people are also saddled with a lot of now those funds are at risk. The number student debt. Any state policy that will provide one priority is that the legislature fulfills its more economic stability in more homes will be promise to our region. a good thing. I’m also interested in policies that promote growth. The issues of growth are much greater than the issues of stagnation. Let’s diversify