Alfred Ruiz Is An Idiot

Alex Zayas did a profile in the Times on both candidates for State House seat 58, representing Seminole Heights.

The candidates are Michael Scionti and Alfred Ruiz

"Democrat Michael Scionti wants incentives for people to buy homes. The more residents invest in the place they live, the more they'll care about maintaining it, he says. If he wins, Scionti says he'll propose property tax incentives for homeowners."

Very good points Scionti.

Republican Alfred Ruiz thinks strong societies are built from strong social bonds. If elected, he wants to discourage divorce with financial benefits for people who marry.

Scionti prosecuted domestic violence cases as an assistant state attorney. He thinks offering money to people to stay married is risky. "If a marriage is emotionally abusive or physically abusive, you've got to get out," Scionti said, adding that financial dependence can keep victims in dangerous situations.

"The people that stay together end up being happier," Ruiz said. "If the parents have a domestic violence problem, they can go to counselors. Maybe if they went to counselors, they might be able to find a solution beyond domestic violence."

They might be able to find a solution beyond domestic violence? Excuse me. Did you really say that inanity? A solution beyond domestic violence. As if the victim of domestic violence chose to be beat. Or controlled. Or emotionally maltreated. You are an idiot.

"Do incentives for married couples discriminate against gay couples who cannot marry?

"I'm not going to give them money to do something I don't believe in," Ruiz said. "If a man sleeps around town, I'm not going to give him money. ... I'm not going to give a gay couple money if I don't believe in that either."

Hey, Ruiz, you are campaigning to represent Seminole Heights, gay center of Tampa. You might want to think before you speak. Actually you might want to think before you think. Aaah heck, just follow Gwen Miller's lead and don't do anything.

Interesting note. Ruiz's collegues are supporting his opponent. "Scionti's endorsements include the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, of which Ruiz is a committee member" and Ruiz "has been divorced twice and lives with his mother in North Tampa. He has three married children and four grandchildren." Lives with his mother? Sort of sounds like Chazz Reinhold in Wedding Crashers. I wonder if this dialogue occured "Chazz Reinhold: [John has come to visit] Oh, come in, sit down, I was-hey, you want something to eat? [shouting] Chazz Reinhold: HEY MOM! CAN WE GET SOME MEATLOAF? ".

By the way, Scionti "lives on Davis Islands but says he will purchase a home in the district if elected." Hey Michael My home is for sale. Move to Seminole Heights. Eat at the Taco Bus. Shop at Yesterdaze. Walk at Rivercrest Park. Listen to the midnite choppers.