SUMMER/FALL 2016 INFLUENCE | 55 Significant other? Children? My family, friends, and coworkers are the significant others at this point in my life. In 25 words or less, explain what you do. Criminal justice reform advocate promoting policy that increases public safety for the citizens of Florida and provides offenders who’ve made mistakes with second chances in life. If you have one, what is your motto? “Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” — Alexandre Dumas. During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client? I’ve had the pleasure of working with a great Tallahassee-based nonprofit called Living Stones International. They are a faithbased outreach program that deals with the children and families of inmates and helps provide them with the tools necessary to reunite as a functional family unit. Three favorite charities. St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Boys and Girls Club, and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. What are you most looking forward to during the Legislative Session? The issue of criminal justice reform being tackled by our legislators in the House and Senate. Having long been an ignored subject matter, there has been a huge shift in ideology at the state and federal level, and our legislators are beginning to realize the impact it has not only on our economy, but on our families as well. It always feels good to provide a voice for those populations often cast aside by society and I’m proud of where our state is going on this issue. If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be ... Rob Stuart, Chris Carmody, and Chris Dawson of GrayRobinson. Not just FOURTH FLOOR>FILES PHOTO: JESSICA FRIEND PHOTO DESIGN because of the wide array of clients they represent, but also because of their civic engagement in the community through the organizations they represent. Like the late Fred Leonhardt, they are always giving back. Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud? Being able to engage in my first “Client Graduation” and “Family Day” at Bridges of America. When people think of our offender populations, it is typically in a negative light where these individuals are viewed as lost causes. There’s nothing quite as inspiring as watching a man who came into prison at third-grade reading level, leave with a GED as his family watches on with pride and happiness. It’s as if all the mistakes they’ve ever made in their life cease to exist. It’s the power of redemption. Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corps reporter and why? Pete Schorsch, Julie Brown, and Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald). These individuals report on issues that are difficult, hard-hitting, and not always the popular issues that people don’t want to read about, but need to read about. There’s integrity in covering the sort of subject matter that strikes a chord in those that read it. Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes … Sayfie Review, Lobbytools, POLITICO, The Miami Herald, The Washington Post, and Florida Politics. What is your most treasured possession? An original pair of glasses my grandmother used to wear. She was 93 years old when she passed away and raised me a big portion of my life. I think of all the remarkable history that was witnessed through those glasses and all the places they’ve been. They watched me grow up and are a part of my own history. You’ve just learned that you will be hosting a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you’d invite to appear? Gov. Rick Scott, Commissioner Adam Putnam, Sen. Jack Latvala, and Speaker Richard Corcoran. When you pig out, what do you eat? Sushi and pizza. Sometimes together. If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be? Otto von Bismarck. I can’t think of many in the history of the world that operated with such political savvy and diplomacy. Christian Minor A WITNESS TO REDEMPTION VIA BRIDGES INTERNATIONAL
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