Name: Keith Abel
Campaign website: www.votekeithabel.com
Date, place of birth: August 2, 1970, Hollywood, FL
Education: Master’s degree in Logistic Supply Chain Management
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing
Occupation: Retired Military
Work history past 15 years. List in reverse chronological order.
U.S. Army
Have you been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime, had an adjudication withheld or had a matter sealed or expunged? If yes, please explain.
No
Have you been a plaintiff or defendant in a civil action, including bankruptcy or foreclosure or had a restraining order issued against you? If so, please explain.
No
Why are you running for this office and what specifically makes you a better candidate than your opponent(s)?
1. I am deeply committed to being the voice of District 98’s diverse residents. My goal is to foster active community participation and engagement, that will enable residents to collectively address local issues and implement effective solutions that benefit all members of our society.
2. I am a staunch education advocate. I believe every child in Broward County deserves access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth. My goal is to work tirelessly to ensure this fundamental right is used not to impede but to secure a brighter future for our youth and communities they live in.
3. Finally, I am dedicated to promoting economic growth and job creation within our county. My goal is to champion policies that attract businesses, create job opportunities, and support local entrepreneurs. This approach will strengthen our local economy and improve the quality of life for all residents I have proudly served our country for thirty years and I understand the importance of strong leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service. My decision to run stems from a deep-rooted desire to continue serving, this time on the home front. I’m committed to being a voice for all citizens, ensuring that their needs and concerns are not just heard, but deeply understood and addressed. My involvement in various civic organizations, such as the Broward County Consumer Protection Board, Oakland Park Adjustment Board, School Advisory Council, Deerfield West Kiwanis Club, and now serving as the Broward County Veteran Caucus President, has given me a profound understanding of District 98 constituents’ needs and concerns. This understanding has allowed me to be a genuine voice for the people.
I’ve engaged with residents, businesses, and community leaders to discuss practical solutions to our most pressing challenges. My unique blend of military experience, firsthand knowledge of critical thinking skills, and unwavering dedication to District 98 distinguishes me from my opponents. This, I believe, instills a sense of security and confidence in my leadership. Having managed large budgets in the military, I understand the importance of efficient resource allocation and accountability. My experience working with diverse groups has taught me the value of collaboration and finding common ground. My training has prepared me to oversee emergencies and unforeseen challenges effectively. My dedication to District 98 is unwavering. I am committed to working tirelessly for the citizens’ best interests. Their needs and concerns will always be my top priority, and I will strive to address them with the same dedication and commitment I have shown throughout my thirty years of service in the military.
What are the three most important issues currently facing your legislative district?
The three most critical issues currently facing the district are the need for more affordable housing and climate change. We’re facing increased risks from climate change, including more frequent flooding. Our schools need added resources to provide quality education and prepare our children for the future.
After the 2024 session, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed all money for arts and cultural programs and projects, estimated at $32 million, to more than 600 organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this veto and why?
This veto is profoundly troubling for several reasons chief among which are the following:
1. Economic Impact: Arts and cultural programs significantly contribute to our state’s economy, attracting tourists, creating jobs, and stimulating local businesses. This veto seriously handicapped our state’s economy.
2. Educational Value: The unfunded programs give invaluable educational opportunities to our youth and lifelong learners, and they enhance critical thinking and creativity. Without the funding, programs are only able to aid a limited number of people and good programs are not able to continue to provide the educational value that is sorely needed in our communities.
3. Community Cohesion: Cultural initiatives play a crucial role in fostering community identity, promoting diversity, and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. As a result of the Governors’ action many culturally relevant programs had to cut staff and/or cut services they provided to our communities.
4. Historical Preservation programs and organizations that are instrumental in preserving our state’s rich cultural heritage for future generations were also affected. Without such programs it is hard.
5. Finally, the unfunded programs provided Mental Health Benefits. Without access to arts and culture programs that have positive effect on the mental health and well-being of our citizens, there is a domino effect that oftentimes goes from being a part of the community to being a part of the justice system
In the 2024 session, the Legislature passed a major change to Florida’s ethics law (SB 7014) requiring a complainant to have personal knowledge of the facts of a case. Would you have voted for or against this law and why?
I would have vetoed the bill. The bill was designed to allow charges against public officials to only be filed by people who have personal knowledge of the infraction/wrongdoing. If you pair the change with the law that currently limits the power of local ethics panels you may give a green light to corruption. It will also keep ethics violators from being scrutinized by the press in their attempt to investigate wrongdoing. Finally, with such a change it will certainly cause ethics panels to become lame duck entities because they have no power to do anything.
In the 2024 case, the Legislature passed a law (HB 1365) that prohibits homeless people from sleeping in public spaces. Would you have voted for or against the law and why?
I would have voted against this law for the following reasons:
1. The law does not address the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty, mental health, and lack of affordable housing.
2. Criminalizing homelessness may worsen the problem by creating added barriers for individuals trying to improve their circumstances.
3. The law raises significant constitutional concerns, potentially violating the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
4. more effective and humane approaches to addressing homelessness include investing in affordable housing, mental health services, and job training programs.
5. The law may burden law enforcement and the criminal justice system without providing long-term solutions.
Should state abortion laws include exceptions for rape, incest, or human trafficking, and why?
Yes. Rape, incest, and human trafficking survivors often experience severe psychological distress, and forcing them to carry a pregnancy to term may worsen their trauma. Furthermore, these exceptions would give essential healthcare options to individuals in dire situations.
Do you support or oppose a proposed “open carry” or “constitutional carry” law for Florida and why?
I adamantly oppose this proposed legislation. It could increase public safety risks and create unnecessary tension in our communities. The presence of visible firearms in public spaces may cause anxiety and misunderstandings, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
What additional measures do you support to address Florida’s property insurance crisis?
I support implementing tax incentives or subsidies for homeowners who invest in mitigation measures such as hurricane-resistant windows and roofs. Public-private partnerships show also be used to spread risk and stabilize insurance markets. I also support exploring the creation of a state-backed insurance pool for high-risk properties to provide coverage where private insurers are reluctant to do so. Finally, I support investing in infrastructure to mitigate future risks and reduce insurance costs over time.
In reality, there needs to be more oversight of the insurance industry in this state. If you read the State insurance law, it says that insurance can be quoted at several levels. For example, the H-08 category is designed to provide coverage for houses that are more than forty years old, yet Citizens, and other carriers rarely use this category to quote insurance costs. In fact, in my research Citizens’ procedures changed the terms of the H-08 category and only quotes insurance for houses that are more than 50 years old. If chose I will support legislation to investigate insurance providers to make sure they are following State insurance laws and provide for oversight of the methods used to decide the cost of providing insurance for our residents.
Describe in detail one demographic, economic or social factor about your legislative district that sets it apart from all others.
District 98 is one of the most diverse areas in the state. It’s fascinating! We have an almost perfect balance of young families, working professionals, and active retirees, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
This unique blend gives us an edge in many ways. Our local businesses thrive by catering to various needs and interests. Our schools’ benefit from engaged parents and involved grandparents alike. Our community events are always lively, with activities that appeal to all ages. We have mentorship opportunities with seasoned professionals guiding our youth. Our district’s policies tend to be well-rounded, considering the needs of all age groups. This demographic diversity makes District 98 a microcosm of Florida’s best qualities, all in one fantastic community!
