Full Name: Cody Carlos Rodriguez

Name on Ballot: Cody Carlos Rodriguez

Age: 30

Political Party: Democrat

Running For: House

District: 24

Email Address: votecody2016@gmail.com

Current Job: Ph.D. student at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Place of birth: Shelbyville, Ind.

Campaign website: www.codycarlosrodriguez.com

Job history past 10 years:

Sociology lecturer, Hawaii Pacific University (2010-2016)

Social studies teacher, Island Pacific Academy (2012-2015)

Long-term substitute social studies teacher, Sanford B. Dole Middle School (2012)

Summer school history teacher, McKinley High School (2010 & 2011)

Research assistant, strategic planning department at Hawaii Pacific University (2010-2011)

Recruiter and Japanese interpreter, Hawaii Clinical Research Center (2010)

Aloha Ambassador and Japanese speaking tour-guide, The Waikiki Trolley (2008)

Work-study assistant, Director of International Study Abroad at Hawaii Pacific University (2007)

Tour Guide for Hawaii Pacific University (2007)

Political Internship, House of Commons, Parliamentary Palace – London (2005)

Spammy mascot, Waikiki Spam Jam (2005)

Work-study anthropology research assistant, Hawaii Pacific University (2004-2005)

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

This is my first time running for public office. I have dedicated myself to being a teacher, leaving little time for much else. Now, I believe I can best use my skills to represent the diverse people of District 24.

Other civic experience or community service?

Educational Foundations Department representative, the Graduate Student Organization at UH-Manoa (2015)

Student representative, Student Conduct Appellate Board at the UH-Manoa (2015-2016)

SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science) historian, UH-Manoa (2015)

Invited guest lecturer on politics and economics, Department of Sociology at the University of San Francisco (2014)

Teacher, Americorps Students-In-Service Program: 450 Volunteer Hours (2010-2011)

Judge, The Pan-Pacific Championship Debate at Hawaii Pacific University (2011)

Ceremonial Lantern Carrier for the Shinnyo-en International Lantern Floating Festival (2007)

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

I am running for public office to represent both the diverse groups of District 24 and the growing community of Latinos in Hawaii as one of the only (and perhaps the first) Mexican-American politician in the state. I am highly educated, empathetic, and ready to serve the community.

What makes you qualified to be a state representative?

I have been a student and teacher on Oahu for 12 years. I am highly educated, incredibly empathetic, and possess a virtuous perspective on life. I am apart of the working-class, living paycheck to paycheck. I have been a representative in various capacities both domestically and internationally.

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?

Yes. I believe we have too many cars on the road already. If this measure pushes our citizens to bicycle, walk, or use public transit for their main transportation rather than adding another car onto the road, then I am fine with that. We also need smoother roads for safety.

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?

I would only support such an extension if I am convinced that the rail system has actually been thought out. I have yet to read anything about the actual infrastructure of the system (i.e. Park and Go garages, how citizens will transit from rail stops, incentives for riding, etc).

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

Absolutely. I believe this is a part of the larger problem of offshore investors buying properties and raising rental prices making housing not affordable. If our government is not willing to intervene, then how can decent working class citizens hope to keep a roof over their heads?

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

I firmly believe proper use of body cameras is 100 percent necessary for our police force. It provides hard evidence for the well-being of the officer and the citizen. This would be a major priority for my term as state representative.

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?

Yes. Many in our state are frustrated with the lack of transparency in our government in all branches. Police officers have an incredible amount of power, authority, and responsibility over our daily lives. Those that abuse or misuse their power must be held accountable.