PBºN Episode - 10

Summary

Noel Martinez, from the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, hosts Senator Bobby Powell Jr. on the Palm Beach North podcast. Senator Powell shares his personal journey, from growing up in Riviera Beach to serving in the Florida legislature. He discusses the profound influence of his parents, particularly his late mother, and the importance of mentorship and giving back. The conversation also delves into the challenges and rewards of public service, balancing family life with a demanding career, and his legislative priorities for Florida, including property insurance reform and education. Senator Powell concludes by outlining his future plans to run for County Commission and his vision for a legacy focused on empowering others.

Key topics

• Senator Bobby Powell Jr.'s Background: Florida native, grew up in Riviera Beach. Holds a Bachelor's in Public Relations from Florida A&M and a Master's in Planning from Florida State University. Has served on committees for Banking and Insurance, and Environment and Natural Resources.

• Early Life and Influences:

  • Riviera Beach Roots: Proud to represent his hometown.

  • Parental Influence: Father worked in cable installation but refused to illegally install cable at home, teaching integrity. Mother, despite illness and disability (kidney failure, hip replacements, thyroid issues, brain tumor, bone cancer), instilled a passion for service. She passed away in 2001.

  • Mother's Legacy: Her passing fueled his dedication to helping others. She encouraged faith and doing what is right.

• Family Life:

  • Married to an attorney in Palm Beach County; has a daughter who aspires to various professions.

  • Emphasizes exposing his daughter to opportunities he didn't have and aiming for children to surpass their parents.

  • Wife is highly active in community roles (PTO President, past president of Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority student advisor).

  • Meeting His Wife: Met at a Mother's Day celebration at church.

• Mentorship:

  • Ann Weed Kimbro: Former professor and dean at Florida A&M, provided support after his mother's death, taught him to be fearless.

  • Jim Drayton: Political mentor, founder of the "Together We Stand" Democratic Club, avid reader (recently passed away).

  • Mac Bernard: Close friend and mentor, described as selfless, sacrificing for others' success. Bernard's former aides (including Powell and others) have gone on to be elected officials.

• Daily Life as a Senator:

  • At Home (Palm Beach County): Works as an urban planner for Urban Design Studio (only AICP-certified planner in Florida legislature's history). Juggles father/husband duties (cooking, chores, swimming lessons). Attends community events, churches, town halls, press conferences. No two days are the same, often requiring weekend and late-night work.

  • In Tallahassee (During Session): Intense schedule. Serves on numerous committees (10 last year). Back-to-back 10-15 minute meetings with constituents and lobbyists. Requires extensive bill reading and legislative preparation. Plays a leadership role within the Democratic caucus and the Florida Legislative Black Caucus. Works from 8 AM to late evening, often returning to the Capitol after the gym. Views his role as a public trust, striving for excellence.

• State of Florida Assessment:

  • Positives: Florida has a balanced budget, a surplus of funds, and a growing economy.

  • Challenges:

    • Political Climate: Political fights (e.g., with Disney) and travel advisories are problematic, drawing national negative attention.

    • Homeowners Insurance: Number one issue, calls for comprehensive reform. Criticizes the current partisan approach and slow progress, citing significant premium increases and cancellations.

    • Population Growth: Florida gains over 1,000 people daily, creating challenges for housing and infrastructure, especially in Palm Beach County (expected to grow by 263,000 by 2030, requiring 85,000 jobs).

    • Affordable Housing & Jobs: Need to ensure housing is affordable for those working locally and address "spatial mismatch" between jobs and housing.

    • AI Impact: Anticipates AI replacing some jobs, emphasizing the need to equip people with skills for new sectors.

    • Education: Significant problem with children not reading at grade level by third grade. Stresses parental involvement in education.

• Personal Philosophy:

  • Emphasizes kindness, mutual support, and speaking positively to others, especially children.

  • Success involves overcoming failure; people often find satisfaction in others' downfall, but this does not lead to personal fulfillment.

  • Shared personal tragedies (mother's death, sister's death, nephew's death) underscore the hidden struggles public figures face.

• Future Plans:

  • This is his last year in the Florida Senate due to term limits.

  • Will run for Palm Beach County Commission, replacing Mac Bernard.

  • Aims to use his legislative relationships and leadership experience to benefit Palm Beach County.

  • Considers timing perfect for family, especially his young daughter.

  • Has strong campaign support and fundraising.

• Legacy:

  • Wants his legacy to be empowering others to see themselves as great leaders, activating their potential to become their best selves.

  • Invests in individuals, including those.