NameJim Trautz
What office are you running for?Supervisor of Elections
County, District/TownshipOsceola
Address3275 S John Young Parkway Suite 308
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
Map It
Phone(407) 861-7433
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Are you currently the officeholder and seeking re-election?No
Is this your first time running for office?No
Election Date11/05/2024
Websitejimt4soe.com
Social Media Handles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimT4SOE
Instagram: jimtrautzforosceolasoe
X: Jim Trautz@JimTrautz4SOE
Truth Social: Jim Trautz@Jimt4soe

KEY ISSUES
1. Provide the top 2 reason why you want to run for office.

1. In recent years, we've seen a troubling erosion of trust in the electoral process. I am committed to implementing reforms that safeguard the integrity of our election, including measures to prevent fraud, protect voter rights, and enhanced security.
2. Osceola county has historically finished either dead last, or near the bottom of when compared to other Florida counties in voter turnout. This is unacceptable. In order to foster the greatest participation possible, people need to know where to vote, when to vote, how to vote, and if they are even able to vote. The best way to do this is through education, and I believe my knowledge, experience, and proven success bodes well for implementing the necessary steps to educate and encourage involvement in the electoral process.

2. Name the top 2 issues in your county, state, or federal district that you wish to address and how?

I believe that restoring election integrity is crucial for the health of our election process. We must ensure that every legal vote is counted accurately and that the process is transparent for all to see. To that end I have two top priorities:
1. Transparency: Transparency is essential to maintaining public trust. I intend to promote transparency at every level of the electoral process, from campaign finance to ballot counting. I will implement programs to ensure that voters have access to information about how their elections are conducted and that decisions are made openly and with accountability.
2. Accuracy: We must prioritize accuracy in our elections. Every vote must be counted correctly, and every eligible voter must have the opportunity to cast their ballot. I will ensure that our election systems are accurate, efficient, and free from errors or manipulation.

3. Do you support defunding the police?

Absolutely not! Both my father and father in law were police officers. To defund the police is to reduce the safety and security of our communities.

4. What are your thoughts on “Diversity Equity and Inclusion”? Should this be implemented as training for county/city/federal employees? Why or why not?

No. I believe that every person should be provided equal "opportunity," however, equal outcomes are not guaranteed. "Outcomes" should be determined based on merit, and merit alone, regardless of race, population group, color, gender or sexual preference.

5. With growing pressure to accommodate various lifestyles/identities how would you manage to keep your city/town safe and family friendly?

In my position as Supervisor of Elections I do not make policy, so I have very little impact on the safety of our town. However, I believe that we do our community a disservice when we focus on lifestyles and identities as opposed to the best way to serve our constituents. We have a very diverse population, however, the electoral process will be administered equally to all people, regardless of lifestyle or identity, and staff, while treated equally, will be hired based on qualifications and merit only.

6. Do you think involving residents in decision making in your city/town is important? Why or not?

Absolutely! My candidacy is based on restoring election integrity, which is comprised of three main pillars: Transparency, Accuracy & Accountability, and Education. The very best way to promote transparency, provide accuracy, and to educate the people of the county is through partnership with community leaders, groups and individuals.

7. If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city/town/county any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?

I would open a couple of daycare facilities with a twofold purpose:
First, with the rise of inflation, many families are forced to have both mom and dad work as a matter of necessity. Unfortunately, that means in addition to providing more income just to survive, families now have the extra burden of paying for childcare as well. Admission to our facilities would be based on necessity (the NEED for childcare vs. a place to dump children while working for a 2nd BMW) and fees would be based on income.
Second, in our facilities, children would be exposed to the traditional American values. In my opinion (and experience), schools, universities, and even some daycare centers are nothing more than indoctrination centers. Instead of being exposed to different "lifestyles" and taught that white people are bad, I would teach them the pledge of allegiance, provide stories of the American Revolution, instill a sense of teamwork and camaraderie,explain to them the true meaning of Thanksgiving, etc.

8. What is your opinion on sanctuary cities/autonomous zones within your city/town?

I believe they are unconstitutional; that they are outside the bounds of current laws; that they burden the level of services provided within the municipality (schools, police, etc.); and that they create an unnecessary financial burden on the town and its citizens. There is NOTHING legal or positive about sanctuary cities.

9. What are your thoughts on mandating the closure of privately owned businesses due to public health concerns aside from code violations?

I am absolutely opposed to closing privately owned business due to health concerns. Privately owned business have the RIGHT to run their businesses the way they want. They accept the risk of their decisions and they reap the rewards of their effort. In my opinion, the government (local, state or federal) does not have the right to infringe on the individual's right to make a living.

10. Who is the ultimate authority over the health and safety of the people in your city/town?

The ultimate authority over the health and safety of the people in our town are the people of our town. Again, I am a believer in individual rights, and while local municipalities may enact laws THEY think are in the best interest of the people, as the head of MY household, I will decide what is best for my family.

11. Are you endorsed by other organizations? If so, which ones?

Patriot Legal Immigrants USA
Florida Republican Assembly - FRA (Osceola)
Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Florida
Latinos United for Conservative Action (LUCA)
Republican Liberty Caucus (Osceola)
America First Insight (AFI)

12. Do you support making laws to protect life keeping in mind there are many views on what this means?Yes