Kimberly Berfield
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Kimberly Berfield
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist 58
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Northeastern University, Boston, MBA
University of Central Florida, Orlando, BA
St. Petersburg (Junior) College, Clearwater, AA
Clearwater High School, Cleawater
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network Lead, Clearwater Historical Society
Pioneer, Clearwater Homeless Intervention Program, Board of Directors
Commissioner Sallie Parks Intersection Task Force, Citizen member, Florida Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council (TAC)
Florida Senate President Appointee, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, Board of Directors
Go Red for Women, Tampa Bay, Cabinet Committee member, Junior League of Clearwater/Dunedin
Community Vice-President - Sustainer, Leadership Pinellas, Past President
Rotary, Clearwater-East
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Florida State Representative, District 50, 2000-2006
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Florida Senate, District 16, 2006
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (5)
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
Florida Family Action
*Stand For Health Freedom
Ed Hooper
Community Patriots Tampa
OTHER (4)
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police
Chris Latvala
Florida Nurses Association PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
Senator Ed Hooper
Representative Chris Latvala
County Commissioner Kathleen Peters
County Commissioner Dave Eggers
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (5)
Chris Latvala (2019)
Chris Sprowls (2019)
Ed Hooper (2021)
Jack Latvala (2014)
Republican Women's Organizations (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Committee to Protect Florida (2022)
Creating Possibilities (2021)
Ed Hooper (2021)
Florida Leadership Committee (2021)
Floridians for Opportunity (2021)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
American Nurses Association (2022)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest, life-threatening health for the mother or child
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Tax dollars should not be utilized for abortions with the exceptions outlined above. However, for contraception, we can utilize our best efforts to discourage sex outside of marriage, we know in contemporary society, we simply will never have 100% compliance. We must prioritize preventing an opportunity for someone to feel compelled to kill an unborn baby by providing contraceptives to those who engage in casual sex & may not be able to afford them or don't prioritize contraception financially.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Agree
In specific instances with exceptionally strict guidelines. While protecting life of the voiceless and vulnerable is critical, allowing a fully cognitively functional adult to end his/her suffering from a terminal disease should be considered. Obviously, standards put in place to ensure this law is not used lightly would be necessary. Potential measures would include diagnosis from an agreement from multiple physicians regarding terminal status and potential agony of expected suffering.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The entire federal tax code should be overhauled and simplified. It is absurd that Americans are forced to guess at what they owe in taxes and risk jail time if they make an error. The US tax code is over 2,600 pages; while over 30 countries have return-free tax filing. Our current tax code is neither fair nor efficient and is in desperate need of change.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
In Florida, the constitution requires that the budget is balanced annually.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
I do believe we have a responsibility to provide the educational foundation for our children to be successful in our global economy. However, I believe the early years of adulthood are for self-exploration allowing personal growth and development. Additionally, the state of Florida does provide funding to college students through the Florida Bright Futures program.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
To ensure consumer protection, ensure societal order, or after fraudulent practices have been proven through due process of law.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
Consumers should have free market options in addition to having a guaranteed fallback option available from the government.government.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Did not answer
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Did not answer
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who successfully submit application and adhere to the immigration processes outlined with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services. Protecting and possibly expanding the special talent visa program should also be a priority as it benefits the US economy as well as individuals from developing nations.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I believe it is the parent's right to act in the best interest of their individual children. If we are truly focused on providing the fundamental educational skills necessary then placing each child in the environment, which will permit him or her to flourish in their education regardless of an academic, technical or skilled labor career pathway.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Did not answer
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My faith plays a major role in my day-to-day life; this certainly will not end with how I view legislation or public policy. My faith is integral to my personal fabric; my faith dictates what I believe in my core.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Agree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Return to Florida's prior "absentee voting with a reason" policy i.e. proof of travel ticket/vacation reservations, mobility issues or for seniors otherwise unable to be reasonably accommodated, medical procedure etc. Maintain in-person early voting 10-14 days prior to Election Day to allow for flexibility.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, anything that fuels violent behavior is a threat to domestic security.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
While errors have been made in history, future generations should not be held responsible for the actions of their ancestors.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
We need to find a balance that works for both the environment and the economy
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Neutral
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Government has expanded needlessly and dramatically over the past 25-75 years to the determinant of private enterprises. State government is responsible for preserving order, ensuring consumer protection and maintain societal order. Business activity is essential to the stability of Florida's economy, and government should work to support and protect those economic interests.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I know of none.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
1 - Affordable Housing: Better leverage the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund; offer housing tax credits and inclusionary zoning; lower cost of state land for affordable rentals 2 – Staffing: Address general labor shortage and immediate need for medical professionals 3 - Diversification of Economic Stability: Incentivize manufacturing (especially in rural communities) to both diversify the economic output and create jobs for Floridians who may find our major metropolitan areas unaffordable or undesirable
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
Reallocating money from law enforcement back to social service programs that provide care to those with mental illness is a reactionary measure and won’t address the systemic lack of funding for mental health, which is not a criminal justice issue, but an educational, developmental, workforce and health issue.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Personal responsibility and background checks.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
If we permit litigation in this manner, we will then need to permit victims of DUIs to sue automobile manufacturers and dealerships.
