Representative Alan Williams (D) represents parts of the beautiful North Florida counties of Leon and Gadsden and maintains a District office in the Capitol year round. Never shy about voicing concerns and questions when bills arise, he has long been a friend on the House State Affairs Committee and the Energy & Utilities Subcommittee. Make sure you check out his “wish list” in the last question and tell us if you agree! Comment below or on Facebook. Enjoy!
Looking back at the 2012 Regular Session, what would you say is your proudest accomplishment?
I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan effort as the ranking Democrat on the House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee to pass an energy bill for the first time in four years that puts Florida back on the map concerning energy policy and direction.
What is the best advice you have ever received and who gave it to you?
My daughter (age 13) once told me to “Look backwards but stay focused on where you are going” There are so many meanings in that short phrase that I have never forgotten it!
My son (at age 4 but now 8 years old) also asked me one day “Where is the future” and I am also guided by that!
You seem to have a large following on Face Book (3883) and Twitter (2478). Do you do your own social networking?
I do all of my own posts on Face Book and Twitter. I think it is an important way to stay engaged with friends and constituents. And I particularly like the way it enables me to get good feedback for what is happening and what is important to people in my District (8).
Tell us about your service on the Board of the Tallahassee Boys Choir. Does this mean you are a singer or a supporter…or both?
I no longer serve on the Board of the Boys Choir but I am a big believer and supporter of what they do. I was a singer myself in my church choir (back when I had an angelic voice) and I know firsthand the importance of being with your peers when singing in a group like this. The Tallahassee Boys Choir has been very successful and gives many deserving youth an opportunity to showcase their talents and be cool all at the same time!
What is the favorite recreational activity for you and your family that you enjoy doing together?
We enjoy everything from playing soccer in the back yard, to going to our kids’ sporting events to traveling to cities and historic places to see what we can learn.
Read any good books lately?
Back to that social media question…I stay very busy with emails, Face Book and Twitter so I have some trouble finding time to read and finish books. That said, the last book I read was “Lead like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. And I have a stack of books on my night stand waiting to be read! I am also very proud that my children have embraced reading!
What would be a perfect day for you? No limits! Anything is possible!
A perfect day for me would be to wake up with my family (both immediate and extended), do some fun activities together and then have a nice lunch somewhere. Afterwards we would relax with friends and wind down with lots of laughing and more relaxing. Oh…and I would tweet all this too!
And last but not least, if you were “King for a Day” and could pass any bill in the Legislature with no interference or opposition; what would it be?
I would make sure the real priorities of the state of Florida are met fully. By that I mean: education would be fully funded, health care would be provided for our seniors and children, the environment would be adequately funded, state & public employees would be given raises and paid what they are worth and our teachers’ salaries would be raised to three times the national average for teacher salaries!
