Jim McCormick – About Me
I was born in Miami, Florida in 1967 where much of my father’s family of eleven brothers and sisters still lives today. I lived there for 13 years before moving to Boca Raton, where, with the exception of 4 years in college at Purdue University, I have enjoyed living. I am the only native Floridian running for office. Some would say that doesn't amount to much but I think it gives me a unique perspective that other candidates simply can't acquire. I love this state and have no intentions of moving, even if I am elected to office. I would rent an apartment in the D.C. area keeping my primary residence here in our district; a far cry from our previous congressman.
I am a small business owner here in our district, owning and operating a computer consulting firm by the name of Cencore for the past 15 years. Most of my clients are long term clients that I have had since the first day I opened the company. I am the only candidate that owns his own business and knows the problems and opportunities that small businesses face on a day to day and month to month basis.
I have recently become a father. The very reason I am running, my little girl has been born into a debt that she did not create, nor did she benefit. It's unacceptable to believe that we can ignore our debt and continue along this unsustainable path. My little daughter shouldn't have to pay for the benefits reaped by the dead. For as Thomas Jefferson once said about the debt, "I say, the earth belongs to each of these generations during its course, fully and in its own right. The second generation receives it clear of the debts and encumbrances of the first, the third of the second, and so on. For if the first could charge it with a debt, then the earth would belong to the dead and not to the living generation. Then, no generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence." They knew then what could happen and so did we. The only difference is that they didn't mortgage OUR future.
I became a member of the Rotary Club a few years ago after seeing all the wonderful work they do to help our community. I intend on joining the Boca Raton branch and the great folks there. I've supported our local schools long before having children. I was only recently blessed with a little girl on November 6th. It was around then that it really hit home when I saw how our current debts would be passed onto my newborn and her children, all for benefits we receive today.
I am also a member of the Planetary Society, the world's largest space-interest group, dedicated to inspiring the public with the adventure and mystery of space exploration. Space exploration has directly contributed to many of the conveniences we enjoy today such as cable and satellite television, computers, mobile phones, solar energy, and GPS just to name a few. The NASA budget is always on the chopping block since most administrations neglect it. If we lose space exploration, the very country that founded it all could find itself behind countries such as China, Russia, and the EU. Discovery would be lost and many jobs would be lost right here in Florida if we drastically cut NASA. Just a thought, but what about stopping the growth of the federal government in the creation of new departments? How about salaries that match up with the private sector? All these savings would help both us (the tax payer) and NASA.
I belong to the Purdue Alumni Association and am an avid home brewer. I've won several awards for my brewing efforts and am referred to in the brewing circles as “the patriot brewer”. I have always referred to my home brewery as "Patriot Brewing" with names such as "Paul Revere's Lite", "Washington's Chocolate Cherry Stout", "Pilgrim Pumpkin Ale" and "Powdered Wig Ale". I've long been enamored with our founding fathers and the incredible work they did against insurmountable odds. I believe in protecting The Constitution of the United States and believe we should return to that philosophy, eliminating laws and provisions that are in clear violation.
I believe it’s time we stopped our reckless spending and returned to fiscal responsibility. We simply don’t have the money and to even be considering bills like healthcare and Cap & Trade are irresponsible at best.
I believe as an independent I won’t be forced into “voting with the party” and can clearly vote my conscience.
I believe our National Debt is out of control. We need to learn how to say “NO” and cut the spending not with grooming scissors, but with an axe. People have always said desperate times call for desperate measures, so how desperate do we need to become before we realize that minor tinkering with our economy and budget will not fix the overwhelming problem?
I believe the United States is the greatest nation in the world but our out of control spending is getting us, our children and our children’s children into serious trouble.
I believe it’s time for us to take back control of Congress. Let’s send a signal to Washington that District 19 doesn’t want their children or grandchildren saddled with our crippling debt. Vote for me for Congress and I pledge that I won’t let you down. I won’t take bribes, get caught in scandals or sell my country out for earmarks or money for my district. I pledge to host town hall meetings regardless of popularity and will not make them exclusive as others have done in the past.
I want to create an internet site where you can give me your honest opinions on upcoming legislation. It will be a site where you can see my opinion, how I’m expected to vote and what others have said.
I’m not a career politician and I don’t think like one. Some folks would say that because I don’t have that “experience” that I shouldn’t run. I disagree; it’s the very reason I should run. I believe you don’t need to be involved in the system for years to understand how to help your constituents. In fact I believe most of the founding fathers had no experience and can prove that old thought incorrect.
I don’t just pledge to do my best. I WILL do my best.
