Mel Ponder
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Mel Ponder
Party
Republican
Election Year
2018
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist 4
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, BS- Finance, 1990
WORK & MILITARY
State of Florida, State Representative, 2016 - Present
Business Empowered, President/Owner, 2010 - Present
Coastal Vision 3000, Executive Director, 2008 - 2010
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Branch Manager/Home Mortgage Consultant, 2005 - 2007
AFFILIATIONS
Legislative Prayer Caucus - Tallahassee, Co-Chair, The Church of Destin / Destin's Week of Blessings
Co-Founder / Former Board Member, The Blessings of the Emerald Coast, Board Member
Hope Medical Clinic, Board Member, Thrivent Community Board
Board Member, Harvest House, Former Board President
Florida League of Mayors, Former Board Member, Others of Destin, Inc.
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Florida State Representative, 2016-present
Mayor - City of Destin, 2014-2016
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (2)
National Federation of Independent Business Florida
Personhood Florida Pro-Life PAC
OTHER (3)
Associated Industries of Florida
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida Realtors
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida Retail Federation
Florida Police Benevolent Assoc
Sheriff Larry Ashley - Okaloosa County
Chairman Graham Fountain -Okaloosa Cnty Commission
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (5)
Dennis Baxley
First Coast Conservatives
George Gainer
National Federation of Independent Business
Sunshine State Conservatives
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
The state constitution should limit the growth of spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.
Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Strongly Agree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Strongly Disagree
I support sanctuary cities.
Strongly Disagree
I support the death penalty.
Agree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2012 General Election, 2012 Republican Primary, 2014 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I believe life begins at conception and should be protected in all circumstances. The only exception I would consider would be rape and the life of the mother on a case by case basis.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
The Founder's recognition that our values of a nation were based on Judeo-Christian beliefs, and as such had the foresight to envision changes and/or influences down the road which could take our nation off course. Their design to separate and limit powers instills a checks and balances system which protects their vision and the vision of our nation based on the Constitution and the different branches of government.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Christian and have been saved since 1995. I believe according to the bible that the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable and according to Eph 4:16 that the Body was meant to fit together perfectly and as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow. I value unity and the body of Christ (Psalm 133) and that everyone has significance, a gift, and a call that is heaven breathed and irrevocable. As we honor the gifts and callings in others, something inside them comes alive and we all become better and encouraged. And, each of our communities and workplaces would not be be the same if we simply stayed on the sidelines. The church needs a seat at the table, locally and nationwide. Over time, the church has been pushed to the sidelines and through love, honor, wisdom, and service, we can position ourselves to make a difference and have influence in all levels of government.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Please feel free to review my voting record from the Florida House over the past 2 years.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Leading with the principle that robust economic growth and a strong economy can drive down unemployment coupled with limiting and/or keeping government out of the way while lessening regulation and lowering taxes. I believe President Trump's actions thus far has shown this to be true. Being a small business owner myself, I also believe small business and individuals can help drive this with their innovative thoughts and entrepreneurial mindsets...
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Government needs to stay out of this and let a market based approach set the standard. I believe the lessens we learned from the Obamacare are evidence of a government run system not working.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
Preferably be as limited as possible. Their roll needs to focus on reducing regulations and lowering taxes. Basically, as much as possible, to reduce government's presence in the free market.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Have had the honor of serving in the House District 4 seat for the past 2 years Mayor of Destin from 2014 - 2016 City Councilmember for the City of Destin from 2002 - 2006 Finance degree from Florida State University Have owned or run several small businesses Have managed and lead teams within the finance/lending industry Life experience as a family man; married for 26 years, with 3 children
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
mel@beflorida.net
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
No Answer
