This installment of “4th Floor Files” features Foyt Ralston. Here’s the file on Foyt.
Significant other? Children? Grand kids?
Kellie Ralston, married 17 years this May! Tip (12), Seth (7) and Etta Grace (2)
In 25 words or less, explain what you do.
I help businesses, organizations and individuals resolve issues they have with government and sometimes issues that they have with each other.
Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion.
I am a Free Market, Constitution loving capitalist who has an appreciation for our natural resources and believes in helping those in need.
If you have one, what is your motto?
Just because you have an opinion, does not mean you need to share it.
During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client?
I am privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Leon County Schools. I am very proud of the work that they do to enrich the lives of school children in our area.
Three favorite charities.
Kairos Prison Ministries, Saint Peter’s Anglican Church and Boy Scouts of America
Any last-day-of-Session traditions?
Get home in time to say goodnight to my children.
What are you most looking forward to during the 2013 Legislative Session.
The end!
If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be…
Brian Pitts
Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud?
Getting the section of 441 in Apopka named after my wife’s great uncle, Fred Dunn. He was an authentic WWII hero and a great man.
Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers? If not, why not?
I do own a pair but tend to favor my Alden’s.
Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corp reporter and why?
Tough call – respect Gary Finout (even though he wrote something negative about me years ago) and Jim Saunders; both are decent guys and very good journalists.
Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes…
Sayfie Review, Florida Times Union and various national news publications.
What swear word do you use most often?
I am an equal opportunity offender.
What is your most treasured possession?
It has to be my Filson upland hunting jacket that I’ve had since college.
The best hotel in Florida is…
Ritz Carlton Amelia Island – may not be the best but it is my favorite.
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?
Jack Latvala, Sally Bradshaw, Frank Brogan, Ander Crenshaw
Favorite movie.
Shawshank Redemption
Before the ‘gift ban’, what was your favorite restaurant in Tallahassee? What is your favorite today?
Not that the gift ban had anything to do with its closing, but I always loved breakfast at Mike’s Café on Monroe St. Now, Cypress is my favorite; wish they served breakfast.
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?
I would cherish one more dinner with the late Senator and Secretary Bill Bankhead. To me, he was the embodiment of what a public servant should be.
