Brad Drake, Candidate For Florida House District 5 Seat, Is Cultivating His Jackson County Roots

7/10/08
Drake is Grandson of Jackson County Residents, Troy and Francis Peacock and is the Son of Their Daughter, Anna Kay Peacock
Brad Drake worked for State Representative Don Brown for seven years as an aide. He has now decided to seek that position for himself. Florida House District 5 includes all of Washington and Holmes counties as well as portions of Okaloosa, Walton and northern Jackson County.
Mr. Drake has a BS in Economics from the University of Florida, as well as experience working in the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives. While in college, Drake worked as an intern for the Secretary of the Florida Senate, worked in the Walton County school district as a substitute teacher and has been working the past 7 years with current Dist 5 Representative Don Brown. Drake is also owner of a marketing firm, Southern Marketing Company. He serves on the Board of Directors for Crimestoppers of Walton County, Inc., Hearts of Love ministries, long-standing member of the NRA and member of 1st Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs.
Though living in Walton County, Drake has deep ties to Jackson County. His mother, the late Anna Kay Peacock and grandparents, the late J. Troy and Frances Peacock were long-time residents of Marianna. "It was my grandpa, Papa Troy, who had the biggest impact on my wanting to serve the public. I saw at a young age how much he enjoyed helping people, and it has become a passion of my own."
Drake shares a family history of public service to Jackson County and Northwest Florida. As well as grandfather, Rep. J. Troy Peacock, his cousin, former Senate President Pat Thomas represented portions of the Dist 5 boundary as a state Senator. "I learned so much from them. They loved working to help small communities, and truly made a lasting difference in their efforts."
Drake believes that government should be one that is "for the people… not against the people." A supporter of fewer taxes, fiscal and social conservative principles, traditional family values and prayer in school, Drake wants to shake things up in Tallahassee. "What frustrates me more than anything is to see other members of the legislature abandon their core principles and the values that motivated their desire to serve, for selfish gains and weak standing under pressure. It’s still ok to stand up for what is right! It’s still ok to say, No!"
Further policies promoted in Drake’s platform: Crack down on the illegal immigrants who are receiving state services and benefits yet contribute nor pay nothing into the system; make English the official language of Florida; Water preservation; prayer back in school; affordable and available property insurance; fair property tax structure; incentives for businesses and consumers that seek gasoline fuel alternatives.
Brad Drake can be reached at brad@braddrake.org or www.braddrake.org.