Bill Mitchell for U.S. Congress Fl-9

Background:

I am a lawyer who specializes in employment law with a subspecialty in pensions and health benefits. I am a Vietnam era veteran (Submarine Force) who is on the Board of Directors of a prominent veterans organization MOAA-Tampa which has 500+ members. As a lawyer I am currently representing a family that has had to pay out thousands of dollars from their own pocket because of insurance company loopholes. I am involved in numerous civic activities including the USF Suncoast Alzheimer's & Gerontology Center and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. I have a master's degree in economics from Cal-Berkeley.

Goals:

I believed from the outset that the Iraqi invasion was wrong. To give back to our troops I along with fellow veterans put on dinners for severely wounded soldiers. My goals are better safety nets, widespread prosperity, and citizen participation. As a lawyer who has started to work with homeless women veterans I see first hand the need for safety nets and laws that protect against financial predators.

Issues:

Ending the war/occupation of Iraq

Universal and affordable health care-including getting rid of excess corporate profits from Bush policies.

Expansion of agencies that protect against lead poisoning and other product risks, including expanded tariffs.

Grassroots Support:

The grassroots are key. They provide feedback, alert me to speaking opportunities, and help get the message out. They help distribute videos, do door to door and GOTV. Grassroots participation is the cornerstone of our democracy.

DFA Values:

I'm for citizen participation, strong safety nets and widespread prosperity. I'm against corporate subsidies, no-bid contracts, and tax incentives for outsourcing. I want us to get control of our deficit.