Wayne Messam
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
"We will repeal the Trump tax cuts that was given last year that hasn't benefitted the American people."
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Candidate's Website, 2019
"We need to reform our immigration system from top to bottom and make sure our country is not only safer, but also more inclusive of, immigrants. The first thing we need to do is provide a pathway to citizenship for American Dreamers. This is a long overdue action for people who, through no fault of their own, find their path to the American Dream blocked. Then, we should offer comprehensive immigration reform that re-establishes a fair and orderly process to achieve the American dream."
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Candidate's Website, 2019
"As Mayor, I proposed and unanimously passed a measure in support of safer gun laws that would expand background checks and prevent terrorists from gaining access to guns. Last year, I sued the state to allow local leaders to protect our residents from gun violence because in Florida, it's illegal for mayors to even bring up gun reform for discussion. ... When I'm President, it will be the number one priority for my administration to prevent mass shootings. I believe law enforcement should remove mass shooting weaponry from the hands of those suffering from mental illness, those who have a history of domestic abuse, and anyone on the terrorist watch list."
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Candidate's Facebook Page, 2015
In response to a very restrictive abortion law passed in Alabama, Messam wrote, "A woman's right to reproductive choice is settled law. This is an incredibly difficult decision for a woman and her family. If a medical professional believes a procedure like this is necessary, then the government should not intervene."
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"ThinkProgress asked candidates whether they support using federal dollars to pay for abortion services. As of this writing, the campaigns of former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro; Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI); former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper; Washington Gov. Jay Inslee; Miramar, Florida, Mayor Wayne Messam; Rep. Seth Moulton (MA); Sanders; Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA), and activist Marianne Williamson responded that they do."
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Candidate's Website, 2019
"I believe states that have decided to move forward with marijuana legalization should be allowed to do so and other states should feel free to join the ranks without threats from the federal government. As long as those states that choose to do so continue to enforce DUI laws, spread economic benefits throughout all communities, and expunge records for those arrested for selling marijuana, they would have my full support as President."
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Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2019
"I championed a living wage for Miramar workers because we can't accept our people taking on two or three jobs just to stay above water. Let's restore the American Dream so all Americans can not only get by, but thrive."
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"'While nuclear energy has been a consistent part of our energy infrastructure, it's too much of a risky investment,' Messam told The Post. 'In 1992, the eye of Hurricane Andrew passed over the Turkey Point nuclear station. We were lucky, as the damage done to the facility was minimal. But we now shut down the reactors during hurricanes, because of the possibility of damage and leaks. In this day and age, we have better options for renewable energy. And those options are safer.'"
Against| Read My Position
"'It's estimated the US spends $10 Billion to $52 Billion annually in fossil fuel subsidies,' Messam told The Post. 'I would set phasing out of all fossil fuel subsidies in two years and shift funding towards the investments of renewable energy. There is no way we can continue to encourage and invest in the production of fossil fuel to continue to impact our environment if we are serious about climate change.'"
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Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2019
"We must put a priority to diversify our energy sources instead of paying subsidies to the fossil fuel producers to the tune of $52 Billion annually. Credible alternatives like renewable energy sources are good for the environment and sustainable."
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"Based on what is available I believe the President should be placed under impeachment proceedings and let the weight of the full report carry out the justice the American people deserve."
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Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2019
"While the President and Congress can't even agree to meet to discuss Infrastructure, as mayor of Miramar, our city is investing $100 Million in our infrastructure. Cities can't wait on Washington. Another reason why I'm running for POTUS."
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Candidate's Twitter Feed, 2018
"Never should we tolerate a Congress and a President hurting the American people to make a political point. These shutdowns must end. No ban, no wall."
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"[Messam] said the opioid crisis is primarily a health care issue.
"'As president, I'll continue to press the issue for access to health care,' he said. 'I'll continue to press the issue of being that champion to fight big industry, especially the pharmaceutical industry, that tends to take advantage of these types of situations.'
"And, he said, 'A state like New Hampshire that's dealing with this issue, they'll have a champion that not only recognizes this challenge but will work hard to solve that challenge.'"
For| Read My Position
"'My first choice is to have a comprehensive health-care plan to provide affordable health care to most Americans,' Messam told The Post. 'Anything that falls short of that goal is not the type of change big enough to solve the problem. I believe health care is a civil right, and rights shouldn't get parceled out piecemeal.'"
For| Read My Position
"Obviously, this country has shown no credibility in terms of living up to its promises, and the only successes that seem to force them to the table are the sanctions that have been levied on their economy."
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"Well obviously the social net of social security should be there for those who've paid into the system. And I think there's just another reason why we say that Washington is broken. We don't have the political will to solve this issue. Everyone backs into their corner in Washington. Some say we should privatize on the investments of social security. Others say that we should keep it as it is. But what we do know is that the course that we're on right now is unsustainable. We have to have the political will to solve this issue. Cause the last thing that we want is for my three children who are in college right now when they graduate - thank God when they graduate - that they go on to live their lives, pay into the system, and when they become senior they can benefit from it. So obviously I'm looking forward to releasing our proposal that will look at how not only will we will protect and prop up this very fragile system, but to ensure that we make the proper investments and have the proper policies in place to ensure its sustainability for when your grandchildren and your descendants yet to be born to ensure that they have the social net once they retire."
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Candidate's Website, 2019
"It is time for the federal government to cancel all federal and private student loans. This one-time policy would boost the annual GDP between $86 billion and $108 billion and create 1 million to 1.5 million new jobs each year."
Other| Read My Position
"I am open to holding corporations and polluters accountable. Carbon Tax is a method of doing so,' Messam told The Post. 'However, comprehensive energy strategy is needed to truly stop our carbon emissions. We as a nation need to invest and incentive innovation to using more renewable energy so a carbon tax would basically be obsolete for there will be no polluters.'"
Against| Read My Position
"It's difficult when you're looking at a complex situation. That perspective comes more so because it's multinational agreement to hold accountable Iran. Any entity that would support terrorism in the region, I think the United States should not be in a situation where we have an isolationist position when it comes to foreign policy when we can work in collaboration with allies to hold nations like Iran accountable. From a military, economic and trade standpoint, it facilitates a scenario that will lead to more stability to the region, as well as a group of allies working together to ensure the ultimate outcome will come to fruition. Any terrorist-sponsored activity will have consequences in response to those activities. In terms of my position, it's more so from the standpoint of ensuring that we have a strong coalition of allies to hold nations like Iran accountable."
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Messam joined a coalition of mayors who wrote:
"As 407 US Mayors representing 70 million Americans, we will adopt, honor, and uphold the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement. We will intensify efforts to meet each of our cities' current climate goals, push for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, and work together to create a 21st century clean energy economy.
"We will continue to lead. We are increasing investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. We will buy and create more demand for electric cars and trucks. We will increase our efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, create a clean energy economy, and stand for environmental justice. And if the President wants to break the promises made to our allies enshrined in the historic Paris Agreement, we'll build and strengthen relationships around the world to protect the planet from devastating climate risks."
