Most registered voters in most of Okaloosa County can vote for House District 4 candidates. To find out if you are eligible, check out the map at the bottom of this page.
A member of the Florida House of Representatives, like a Florida State Senator, is an elected official who represents the residents of a specific district within the state of Florida. Niceville, Valparaiso, Bluewater Bay and Eglin Air Force Base make up about 50,000 of District 4’s 180,000 or so residents.
Legislation: Members of the Florida House propose, debate, and vote on bills and resolutions, similar to State Senators. They are involved in the legislative process, introducing and shaping laws that affect the state.
Constituent Representation: Representatives serve as the voice of their constituents in the state legislature. They should listen to the concerns and needs of the people in their district and advocate for policies that align with the interests of their constituents.
Committee Work: Representatives are often members of various committees that focus on specific policy areas, such as education, health, finance, etc. These committees review and analyze proposed legislation related to their respective areas of expertise.
Budget Approval: Along with the State Senate, the House of Representatives approves the state budget. Representatives participate in budgetary discussions and decisions, allocating funds to different state programs and agencies.
Constituent Services: Like Senators, Representatives assist their constituents in navigating state agencies and services. They may intervene on behalf of residents to address issues or concerns related to government services.They can also put forward what are called ‘local bills’ which can specifically address concerns at a local level through the help of the state.
Term Length: Members of the Florida House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms. A member of the Florida House can be elected four times in a row – after that, they are term-limited out. If a representative resigns, an election must be called to fill their seat.
Patt Maney, a retired brigadier general, veteran, and former judge from Okaloosa County, served in the United States Army Reserve for over 36 years, retiring in 2007. As an Okaloosa County Judge for nearly 29 years, he worked to form and maintain a veterans court for veterans who had gotten in trouble with the law. Honored as the 2019 DAV Outstanding Disabled American Veteran and the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Patriot of the Year in 2010, Patt also received recognition from the United States Army War College as an Outstanding Alumni in 2019. Inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2018, he was appointed to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council in 2019 for his significant contributions to the state. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Patt developed a strong work ethic from a young age, earning the Boy Scout Eagle Scout Award, Boy Scout God and Country Award, and the British Duke of Edinburgh Award by the age of 18. Married for over 48 years to his college sweetheart, Caroline, they have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. With dual careers in law and the military, Patt founded a successful private law practice, served as a county court judge, and taught as an adjunct instructor. His military service included deployments to Panama, Haiti, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, where he was wounded and spent almost 20 months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Returning home in 2007, Patt remained dedicated to serving his community.
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