Susan M. Kufdakis Rivera
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Susan M. Kufdakis Rivera
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist 86
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, B.A., 2009
Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, M.S., 2014
Nova Southeastern University, Davie, J.D., 2018
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Member, Palm Beach Republican Executive Committee
Committee Woman, Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Florida, Member
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Member, Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association
Member, Oklahomans for Equality, Volunteer/Contributor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2020)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Neutral
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
In cases of serious health risk to the mother In cases of incest First Trimester (not past 12 weeks)
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Tricky question. I need to see balance sheets for further review. I need to see if there is excess spending in one area that I could properly allocate to another area. More review is required at this time. Ideally, I would like to see a balance of spending allocation to education, health, and public safety. But I need to see those balances first.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
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.
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.
Disagree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The first amendment states the following: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Separation of church and state means just that - there should be no law that forces a religion on people, and there should be no law that prohibits exercising one's own religion. Of course, there are times where government may appear intrusive, but they need to be limited to what constitutional law dictates - the government must pass "strict scrutiny" review to pass such legislation (the restriction must be necessary to achieve a COMPELLING government interest - such as health, safety, and public welfare).
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
When I see the government saying "free healthcare for all", I am alarmed at that, because there isn't enough structure for us to define "for all". Where is that money going to come from? We need a well-organized plan, and not so much 'hands in the cookie jar', and need to keep healthcare primarily between healthcare provider and patient, with minimal government intrusion. Before I can support any healthcare 'for all', I need to see a plan. Though, I do support adequate, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all with the proper guidelines.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Agree
IMMIGRATION
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
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
While checks and balances need to be placed to ensure that people from each country has a proportional opportunity to immigrate, people seeking to come to work, and to establish a safe and prosperous life should be welcome. Of course, they should pass the criminal background checks to ensure safety within our borders. But, we also need to keep a balance of how many people come in to ensure that our citizens here also have equal access to job opportunities.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Neutral
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a practicing Greek Orthodox Christian. While I have my own traditional, conservative values and faith that guide me, I keep an open mind and embrace diversity among people. I am a firm believer of "Judge not lest ye be judged" as a daily philosophy.
ABOUT YOU
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
As far as matters for economy and national security, I am extremely conservative. As far as social issues such as fundamental rights, social justice, and social liberties, I tend to be liberal. I try to keep an open mind of the diverse world and society I live in, but I still hold true to my personal, conservative convictions.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I'm not here to boast my education, though I have had extensive education. I would say that my academic background qualifies me in numerous ways. First, my bachelor's degree in Sociology, I have been exposed to studying the way society functions, and am well attuned to the needs and desires of a community. Second, my master's degree in Criminal Justice. Now more than ever, people are demanding reform in the justice system and with our police. My heightened academic experience here, combined with my work experience in the criminal justice area can make me very useful in the area of criminal justice reform. Third, my law degree combined with my experience in immigration law. I know how the constitution and the legislative system work hand-in-hand. With regard to immigration, I am astute to discuss the ongoing issues with my combined academic and professional experience.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
None.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I'm not a politician. I am your neighbor and a public advocate. I see divisions threatening our most valuable state and local institutions, which is why I've stepped forward to run for office. I am here, ready to get to work, to bring back the UNITY to COMMUNITY AND STATE!
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun control should be 'common-sense'. I understand limiting felons' access to guns, especially with violent felonies. Also, the same to those people posing a risk due to mental instability. However, individuals with no history of mental illness, who are able to pass a background check and be able to show proficiency in gun handling should have their right to own guns. I am opposed to 'red flag' laws that intrude on the privacy of one's house without probable cause or exigent circumstances.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Neutral
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1) Education 2) Criminal Justice Reform 3) Healthcare
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. Not only racism, but reverse racism as well. It's one thing to use words, we do have that first amendment freedom of expression and free speech. But when words are combined with actions that incite violence leading to extremely dangerous situations, we have to worry. And this is precisely what is going on with regards to racism and reverse racism. As the supreme court states - "Equal justice under law", we people are all the same under the eyes of the law.
