Timothy Norris Yost
Timothy Norris Yost (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 12. He lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Yost completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Florida House of Representatives District 12
Incumbent Clay Yarborough defeated Timothy Norris Yost in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 12 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Clay Yarborough (R) | 59.2 | 38,827 |
 | Timothy Norris Yost (D)  | 40.8 | 26,730 | |
| Total votes: 65,557 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 12
Timothy Norris Yost advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 12 on August 28, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Timothy Norris Yost |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 12
Incumbent Clay Yarborough advanced from the Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 12 on August 28, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Clay Yarborough |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Timothy Norris Yost completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Yost's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Fully funding education Ending current testing system in schools Increasing access to healthcare
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am most passionate about education as I firmly believe that it is the foundation not just for a strong economy but for the strength of our democracy.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to President Barack Obama for the example he set in being a leader and being a good person in politics. I also look up to former Florida governor Reubin Askew who made some very politically unpopular but necessary decisions while in office. Such political courage is very rare, especially now.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Saving Private Tyan immediately comes to mind. This movie reminds us of the remarkable sacrifice that our military made to preserve democracy here and in the world. They were courageous enough to fight a hate that was sweeping across the world and that is a fight that we should not be afraid of ourselves.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty, clarity of principle and a willingness to study an issue deeply.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
As a school teacher and a military veteran, I have been committed to public service for most of my adult life. I believe in public policy and the fact that we can do great things when we work together for the common good; that is the essence of good government.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To be involved in his or her community, to listen to the voters... and not just the ones who voted for him.
What legacy would you like to leave?
A positive and effective re-fixing of our education system that will become the model for other states to follow.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I remember Ronald Reagan's 1984 election pretty well. I was seven at the time and I knew how monumental that victory was. A few years later after the Challenger explosion I remember his speech to the nation very clearly. I grew up in Florida and we used to watch the shuttle fly up into space from the playground. So, that day we were all pretty distraught. Reagan spoke directly to the children of America in an aside that made me feel validated. I show that speech to my children each year when I teach them about the 1980s. I know now I would not have agreed with him on very much but I did admire his ability to connect people and strengthen your resolve in the face of tragedy. Also, it should be noted that Peggy Noonan wrote that brilliant speech.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My very first job was at Waldenbooks. I was there for about a year.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I really enjoy Christmas. I love the festive atmosphere and feel very connected to my community during that time. No matter your religious affiliation it seems like a time that we all understand stands for good cheer and family. Plus, I really enjoy seeing my niece and nephews open their gifts!
What is your favorite book? Why?
My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. I enjoy teaching that novel as well. It has such a wonderful energy that I cannot resist. Until the end of course... but that packs a pretty big pinch to.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I'd like to be Gatsby. Perhaps I could talk some sense into him and help him see the error of his ways.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My adopted pit bull, Pippa.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Call Me Maybe
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Paying off my student loans, balancing work and family,
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
There are far fewer state senators and they have a four year term. I think this helps cool the partisan rancor you see in the House. However, with fewer voices you lack the fresh ideas that such passion can get you.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
No, not if they have a sincere commitment to the people of their districts.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Improving education.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
A working relationship where each party can trust and recognize the others willingness to compromise where they need to.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Absolutely, laws don't get passed without co-operation.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
An independent commission could be trusted to re-draw our districts. Legislators should not choose their constituents, it should be the other way around. Absent of that, I would be committed to ensuring fairness in re-districting Florida in 2021.;An independent commission could be trusted to re-draw our districts. Legislators should not choose their constituents, it should be the other way around. Absent of that, I would be committed to ensuring fairness in re-districting Florida in 2021.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
As a first term representative I feel that I should learn more about the process before I assume a leadership role.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
I've become a fan of Carlos Guillermo-Smith. He's a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community and for other traditionally marginalized people.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
As of now, I just want to serve the people of State House district 12.;As of now, I just want to serve the people of State House district 12.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
At the Women's March event earlier this year I met a women whose son had been shot in his own front yard by a neighbor. That neighbor was not held to account for the murder because of certain laws out state house adopted. I asked her to hold me accountable when I was in office.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
- State legislative elections, 2018
- Florida House of Representatives elections, 2018
- Florida House of Representatives
External links
Footnotes
