Today’s edition of “4th Floor Files” features Bill Helmich. His clients include American Legion Auxiliary, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Here’s the file on Bill:
Significant other? Children? Grandkids?
No One This Session
In 25 words or less, explain what you do.
I advocate for various groups to the Florida Legislature. My Largest clients are Veterans groups who do not have big money but do need the help of government.
Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion.
I see myself as a modern Whig who recently was lucky enough to find God
If you have one, what is your motto?
If the cash is there, we do not care!
During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client?
5 Star Veterans Center in Jacksonville. They are a great group who works with homeless veterans to help them transition back to civilian life.
Three favorite charities.
VFW, American Legion and Heifer International
Any last-day-of-Session traditions?
Wearing a linen suit and tracking amendments
What are you most looking forward to during the 2014 Legislative Session.
Seeing if the legislature can finally get the states gaming laws organized
If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be…
David Ramba’s of course. Since I am in the same building they would not even have to change the address they send them too. Of course to have them I would have to steal Rachel Kruse away from him too.
Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud?
Changing the state constitution to allow an Ad-Valorem property tax discount for all combat disabled veterans, regardless of what state they joined the military in.
Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers? If not, why not?
Nope. I don’t find loafers to be comfortable on the 4th floor rotunda.
Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corp reporter and why?
Brendan Farrington, because he will always join you for a good beer.
Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes…
Sayfie, Drudge, The Blaze and of course Facebook and Twitter
What swear word do you use most often?
All of them and often during session.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Beagle Toby
The best hotel in Florida is…
Biltmore in Miami for sure, the mojitos are to die for.
You’ve just learned that you will be hosting a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you’d invite to appear?
Marco Rubio, Richard Corcoran, Dave Aaronberg and Evan Jenne
Favorite movie.
George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead
Before the ‘gift ban’, what was your favorite restaurant in Tallahassee? What is your favorite today?
Silver Slipper of Course. Was Po Boys but now I am searching for a new place.
When you pig out, what do you eat?
BBQ
If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be?
King David, He was a deeply flawed man yet he overcame his flaws and raised a great empire to pass to his son.
