Full Name: Thomas F. Mann

Name on Ballot: Thomas F. (Tom) Mann

Age: 59

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: House

District: 6

Email Address: mann2538@gmail.com

Current Job: Financial Intelligence

Place of birth: Livingston, Tenn.

Campaign website: facebook.com/thomas.f.mann

Job history past 10 years:

2006-2016: President, Financial Intelligence

Ever run for public office? If so, when? Outcome?

I have never run for a public office

Other civic experience or community service?

Zoning Commission

Disabled Veterans of America

Veterans Center

Anything else you’d like voters to know about you?

Do you believe that our political system is rigged? That the fix is in or it’s who you know. It is clear that the ethical character of some in government are at best challenged, broken at the worst. Our children must not believe that our democracy is for sale.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I am a tested proven military leader. I served in the United States Army on active duty for 20 years as a geospatial intelligence officer. I am a financial investigator. I have over 16 years’ experience and managed over 40 million dollar for working families.

Gov. Ige says he will once again propose increases to the state gas tax, vehicle weight tax and state registration fees to help pay for state road projects. Do you support his proposal?

I do not support his plan to raise the gas tax. Families on Hawaii island must work two or three jobs just to make it, with little left over for our children Research has shown that raising the gas tax hurts the working poor and the middle class disproportionately.

If the Legislature is again asked to extend Oahu’s half-percent excise tax surcharge to finance construction or operation of the rail system, would you support such an extension?

We must complete the rail system project. It is the burden of government to provide oversight on the most expense public transportation program in the history of Hawaii. I would support the increase only if after a through review, there are no other financial alternatives.

Should the state play a role in cracking down on illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii?

We must insure that our revenue policies are enforced, fairly. Airbnb and others are providing needed income for some because of the astronomical costs of home ownership. I do not support active investigations of our homeowners across the board. The state has other resources better equipped for tax fraud.

Should the Legislature require that police officers in Hawaii use “body cameras,” and help to fund the use of those cameras?

Police must use body cameras for the safety of our citizens, as well as our officers. Having those body camera provides teaching opportunities, evidence, and public perception after reviewing the video. Body cameras are now the standard of practice for our police officers. They enhance trust and reduce risk.

Dozens of police officers in Hawaii are disciplined each year for committing crimes or violating departmental policies, but little information is released about the officers or their cases. Do you think there needs to be greater public disclosure?

Transparency, is essential in our democracy. Public disclosure of police officer committing crimes must be standard practice, immediate and timely. Disciplined officers should be given privacy afford them under their contracts. The public has law enforcement leadersh