In anticipation of the 2024 Florida House of Representatives elections, AskFlagler invited both District 19 candidates to participate in a policy debate. It was planned months in advance to host one debate for the election cycle, with the state House race being chosen due to its importance both to Flagler County residents and Floridians across the state.
The debate was recorded on Tuesday, October 22nd. It was not live-streamed due to technical challenges, but future AskFlagler debates may be conducted in front of a live audience or an online stream. Adam Morley, the Democratic candidate, accepted the invitation and attended the debate. Sam Greco, the Republican candidate, rejected the invitation through a campaign official. No scheduling conflict was cited in the response, and an inquiry as to why Greco would be skipping out was not responded to. Greco and Morley will have had no face-to-face debates or forums ahead of the 2024 election.
As the sole participant Morley was given a set of questions across five topics important to voters both locally and statewide. He was not informed of the topics or questions beforehand, only that he’d have two minutes to answer each question.
The District 19 election will be open to all Flagler County voters regardless of party affiliation, as well as some in St. Johns County. The winner will take over for the outgoing Paul Renner, who is barred from another run by the state’s term limit laws.
The debate can be viewed in full at the link below:
The questions covered in the debate are as follows, with the timestamp in the video to view that topic:
- DEBATE INTRO/RULES (0:00)
- OPENING STATEMENT (0:57)
- POLITICS
- Why are you the best choice for voters in District 19, a majority conservative district? (2:33)
- How will you be effective as a Democrat in a legislature with a Republican supermajority? (4:08)
- STATE ECONOMY
- What can be done to address inflation in Florida? (5:46)
- What do you propose to make rental and permanent housing in Florida more affordable? (7:15)
- Do you feel the state or local governments should primarily regulate vacation rentals? (9:48)
- ENVIRONMENT
- Do you support Amendment 2, The Right to Hunt and Fish? (14:17)
- What can the legislature do to address worsening red tide in Florida? (15:53)
- PUBLIC SAFETY
- Are law enforcement officers in Florida paid enough, too much, or the right amount? (18:19)
- After Hurricane Milton, how do you assess Florida’s electrical and structural infrastructure? (19:47)
- EDUCATION
- Are Florida’s public school students better off now than they were four years ago? (27:16)
- What’s your stance on school choice and voucher programs in Florida? (29:51)
- CLOSING STATEMENT (34:04)
This was a great interview/debate-1. Chris, you were well prepared and professional. Adam Morley is a breath of fresh air. He would make a fine Rep for our area.