Florida Vote

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Charlie’s (Empty) “Metaphorical Flourishes”

“So with a new, two-piece package through the legislature, Crist abandoned all restraint with his metaphorical flourishes last week.”

“I think it will fire up our economy. Florida is like a thoroughbred and … she’s been held back,” he said moments after signing two new laws on the matter. “We’ll have an opportunity to get this engine going again, fire this baby up and make sure that this economy will not just boom, but have a sonic boom. I believe that will happen, and that will benefit the treasury, and the people again.”

But will it? Can the rollback in city and county taxes and - if voters approve on Jan. 29 - a much larger homestead exemption “fire up” the state’s real estate market enough to make up as much as $6 billion a year in lost revenue, as Crist has frequently suggested?

That is doubtful, according to economists both inside and outside state government.

The legislative staff analyses for the tax measures do not mention any increased tax collections that might offset the reductions.

“It’s not feasible,” said Bruce Nissen, a Florida International University professor and director of its Center for Labor Research and Studies. “It doesn’t make sense.

Even Randall Holcombe, a Florida State University economics professor who said he generally accepts the idea that cutting tax rates increases economic activity, said it doesn’t seem likely that the cuts will lead to the flood of documentary stamp tax collections from real estate sales as Crist suggests.

“Crist’s tax-cut ‘boom’ panned“.

Paying Attention

“Florida voters have more reason to pay attention earlier than they have in decades because the state is set to hold one of the first primaries. In 2000 and 2004, the presidential nominations were all but clinched by the time of Florida’s March ballot and barely one in five voters turned out.  Next year, Florida voters will go to the polls Jan. 29, the earliest of any big state scheduled so far. In addition, the Legislature recently voted to put a big tax cut issue on that same ballot, and a number of local governments around the state are looking to add municipal elections to the same day.”  “Early or not, 2008 is on voters’ minds“.

Dems Claim “‘Republicans Giving Up On Latinos’”

“When 1,000 Hispanic elected officials and community leaders from across the country gather in Orlando later this week, they’ll hear from seven major Democratic candidates for president, but none of the major Republican candidates.”

“Republicans Giving Up On Latinos” was the headline on a Democratic Party news release about the event. The release called it a “sign of conceding the Latino vote in Florida to Democrats,” and noted that in 2006 Democrats won the Florida Hispanic vote for the first time in 30 years.

Leaders of the association say they’re disappointed.

But some Florida Republicans, who acknowledge they would prefer that their candidates show up, scoff at the idea that GOP-oriented Florida Hispanic voters suddenly have converted or that the presidential candidates are giving up on them.

The reason the candidates aren’t coming, said state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, is that NALEO, even though it’s nonpartisan, “absolutely is a Democratic-oriented organization - just because most Hispanic elected officials outside Florida are Democrats.”

“Latino Event Not A GOP Draw“.

Touch-Screen “Dawdling”

“The state Legislature — prodded by Gov. Charlie Crist — did the right thing by mandating paper ballots in every Florida county. And it included money to help finance the switchover for counties that opted for touch-screen equipment. But some counties say the amounts authorized by the state aren’t enough. And supervisors in others are looking for loopholes that might allow them to keep using touch-screen machines, at least during early voting.”  “State and counties dawdling over replacing touch-screens“.

Gross

Bill Cotterell: “As probably everyone in Tallahassee knows by now, the House and Senate strained mightily to come up with a $1,000 one-time salary additive for state workers, in lieu of a percentage pay raise for the 2007-08 fiscal year. … The bottom line? $673, after taxes. That’s less than $13 a week in take-home pay.”

And speaking of pay hikes and bonuses and our legislators, did you know that members of the House and Senate will get a 3-percent raise next week?

(We’ll pause here so those who just crumpled up the paper and hurled it across the room can retrieve it. Back with us? Good.)

“A bonus isn’t much, but you can make it more “.

‘Glades

“U.N. officials on Monday removed the Florida Everglades and another site from a list of world cultural sites at risk”.  “Florida Everglades removed from world heritage danger list“.

Say What?

“Florida prison officials say lethal injections give inmates a ‘humane and dignified death.’”  “Panel’s recommendations on executions don’t satisfy foes“.

Local Budget Cuts

In WPB, “Police, fire take flak, but other budgets swell, too“.

“Crist has been somewhat of a disappointment”

The St Pete Times editorial board yesterday: “He has been governor for less than six months, so it’s a little early for any kind of definitive assessment of Charlie Crist’s leadership. But I think we can say that Crist’s record so far has been a mixed bag, with more to applaud than to criticize.”

Most voters are showing no sign of buyer’s remorse. Crist’s approval rating is above 70 percent, and even Democrats, who have some major policy differences with this Republican governor, like working with the guy. He has made surprisingly good appointments and has shown a strong commitment to open government, consumer interests and environmental protection. The political debate seems more civil since Crist arrived in Tallahassee, largely because of the St. Petersburg native’s style and persona. Charmin’ Charlie makes it almost impossible not to like him.

So yes, after eight years of Jeb Bush, Crist is a refreshing change. He bills himself as “the people’s governor, ” and he plays the role brilliantly. He is no policy wonk, micromanager, cultural warrior or ideologue. However, for all of his strengths, on some of the biggest issues facing Florida - hurricane insurance, property tax relief and the needs of higher education - Crist has been somewhat of a disappointment.

“On the big issues, much still to do“.

Spillover Effect

“Water utility managers are concerned about red ink in their future as South Florida lawns turn brown under tough watering restrictions.  South Florida utility managers are reporting significant drops in water usage - and revenues - since a drought triggered strict water restrictions in April.  West Palm Beach, for example, has lost about $500,000.”  “Water restrictions drain utility revenues“.

“Federal HIV/AIDS funding drops in South Florida again”

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: “Either the federal government is clueless to South Florida’s status as a national epicenter for the AIDS epidemic, or it just doesn’t care.”

How else to explain why this region just saw its federal Ryan White Program funding for uninsured HIV and AIDS patients drop, for the second year in a row? Broward County’s grant fell from $15 million last year to $13.1 million, and Palm Beach County is getting $7.7 million this year, down from $8.3 million last year and $9.5 million the year before.

Those numbers are going in the wrong direction, especially considering the local population of HIV/AIDS patients is rising, not falling.

Because of the cutbacks, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Bob LaMendola reports, thousands more South Floridians with HIV and/or AIDS will have to do without vital services like nutritional counseling, substance abuse treatment, pain therapy, transportation and other assistance that helps make their lives more livable.

“Public Health“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Tallahassee Democrat Endorses Franks

The Tallahassee Democrat endorses Suzan Franks in SD 3 special election, saying

we would urge voters to support the candidacy of Ms. Franks, who served in the New Hampshire Legislature from 1992 to 2000 and served on her local board of education, and thus should know her way around a statewide political process. A relative newcomer to Florida, Ms. Franks may not have this state’s inner workings down pat, but she has a genuine interest in problem solving and a willingness to listen that suggests her potential to grow and make a difference in the least partisan of the two legislative chambers.

Mr. Dean, a retired Citrus County sheriff, is utterly devoted to his party, saying he will march to the tune of his leaders almost regardless of where they take him.

Ms. Franks’ vow to be an independent fighter is more in the spirit of Ms. Argenziano, who took on the leadership, lobbyists and the lions of party politics, but ultimately won broad respect for her effectiveness.

“Vote Tuesday“.

In the meantime, “Crist made a late push Saturday to boost voter turnout for Republican state Senate candidate Charlie Dean against Democrat Suzan Franks, touting him as a conservative tax cutter and tough crime fighter.”

Campaign-finance records show that Greer, Crist and the state GOP have been whipping up enormous support for Dean among Republican contributors and business interests. His final report, submitted late Friday, showed $506,633 in contributions and $248,743 worth of in-kind contributions of services and materials, primarily from the Republican Party.

Dean said his spending totaled $421,192 for the campaign.

Franks, by contrast, reported total financing of $65,336 - including $3,900 of her own money and about $48,000 worth of in-kind services and materials provided by supporters. The Florida Democratic Party accounted for at least $33,000 of her financing, along with several donations from county Democratic chapters.

“Dean, Franks vie for votes“.

“Reform”?

Randy Shultz argues that “to call this a tax ‘reform’ amendment would be like calling The Sopranos a show about psychotherapy.”

Florida’s property-tax system has two big problems. Save Our Homes gives homesteaders, especially long-time homesteaders, artificial protection from taxes. Landlords, business owners and snowbirds get no such protection. And because of that artificial protection, homesteaders who want to move within Florida stay put because they would pay much more, even in a smaller house. That hurts the real-estate market.

According to the original script, the Legislature would have adjourned Friday after an 11-day special session that produced an amendment to fix those problems. Instead, the Legislature adjourned after just three days, producing an amendment that wouldn’t fix those problems. So, why were the Republicans smiling and shaking hands?

Because they had done something, and it was clear when the session opened that Florida would get something but no more. Something turns out to be something that almost everyone can vote against.

“Tax session: Back to the usual politics“.

Legal Fight on the Horizon

The Buzz, in “More legal questions raised about tax deal“, reports that “an updated analysis [on the Legislature’s property tax ‘reform’ by a law firm representing municipalities] argues the proposed constitutional amendment contains a misleading statement in which everyone would get a minimum $50,000 homestead exemption. But only those who switch to the new program get the higher amount; those who elect to stay with Save Our Homes keep the standard $25,000.  It also argues that, if approved by voters on Jan. 29, the plan would violate equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution “by creating two classes of homestead property taxpayers.”.

Citizens

“Florida’s state-run insurer finally is acting like a real insurance company: It isn’t paying claims.”

In some parts of the state, lawyers are making a living suing private firms for slow-pay or no-pay. In addition, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. still hasn’t settled about 3,500 claims from the 2004 and 2005 storm seasons. At a hearing last week in Broward County, aggrieved policyholders vented to the task force that is reviewing the claims. Citizens officials responded that they were unprepared for the surge and are trying to do better. Actually, both sides have a point.

“Florida stakes a claim“.

Plan B

“A little known but powerful panel is positioned to pick up the pieces on property taxes if voters reject the Legislature’s proposal.  “  “Tax flop? Panel is backup“.  See who is on the panel here.

Privatization Fiasco: Twice As Expensive, Inferior Results

“Florida began handing over its child welfare duties to private agencies a decade ago, vowing children would be safer.”

The Legislature mandated the privatization to begin in 1997.

Gov. Jeb Bush took on the effort as a point of personal pride and the statewide transition to private foster care in all 67 counties was completed in 2005.

DCF now acts as a supervisor of child welfare and a pass-through agency for funding to 20 private community agencies overseeing about 500 subcontracts for case management, direct care, foster care placement, mental health and adoption.

A state audit last year showed the cost of the current child welfare system rose 83 percent per child over six years. Statewide annual funding per child grew from $9,800 in 1998 to $18,000 in 2005.

Perhaps more surprising, the audit found that children are suffering abuse at a higher rate … .

Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Bob Butterworth stands by this privatization fiasco: “Private care still works best, he said … .”  “Failures persist in child welfare“.

Villalobos Backstabber To Be Senate President

“Looks like a pair of Central Floridians will be running the Florida Legislature come 2010.  Sen. Mike Haridopolos, a Republican from Melbourne [one of the senators behind Villalobos’ ouster] whose district includes most of Osceola County and much of Brevard, says he’s gathered enough commitments from fellow GOP senators to ensure he’ll become Senate president after the 2010 elections.  That would be put him in line to serve opposite Rep. Dean Cannon, a Winter Park Republican who had already locked up the job of House speaker for the same two-year term. (The two already have some history, as each served as his respective chamber’s lead negotiator on property taxes for much of this spring.)”  “Dominoes fall for Haridopolos“.

Political Developments

The week in review from The St Pete Times.

That’s Our Connie

“Speaking to a gathering of Lee County Republicans in Estero today, Mack said he wouldn t compromise in his position opposing amnesty, even as members of Congress face pressure to pass some sort of immigration legislation soon.”  “Congressman spoke on immigration to a gathering of Lee County Republicans in Estero on Saturday“.

Elimination and Reduction of Services to the Disabled

“The Florida Legislature approved eliminating and reducing some services next month to developmentally disabled people under the state’s Medicaid waiver program.  The Legislature cut services to put a dent in a projected $153 million deficit next year at the state Agency for Persons with Disabilities.”  “Families fear cuts in services“.

Gambling

“Gambling apparently is no longer the sin it once was in Florida.  The state may not be another Nevada, but a bevy of gaming-related legislation passed in the spring legislative session offering players more slot machines, bigger poker pots and longer hours of operation.”  “State Betting On Gaming Expansion“.  Meanwhile, “Slot machine gamble has yet to pay off in Broward County“.

‘Glades

“Legislation awaiting Gov. Charlie Crist’s signature doubles the annual Everglades cleanup fund to $200 million through 2020 with an emphasis on improving the quality of water from the Kissimmee River Valley and other basins that drain into Lake Okeechobee, often called ‘the liquid heart of the Everglades.’”  “Runoff cleanup is taking shape“.

TV/Radio Marti

“Rep. Bill Delahunt interviewed Radio and TV Marti officials Saturday about improving the federally funded broadcast to Cuba.  Delahunt, D-Mass., also met with a group of mostly Democratic Cuban exiles, urging them to get more involved in public debates over the future of the Communist island.”  “Congressman pushes better TV/Radio Marti“.

Citizenship Petitions

“According to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, immigrants filed 46,884 citizenship petitions in Florida during the first four months of 2007, a 75 percent increase from the same period last year.”  “U.S. Citizenship applications soar in South Florida and throughout the country“.

Florida’s Booming Economy?

“In signing the tax cut, Crist insisted that sunny days lie ahead.  ‘Cutting local property taxes will ignite the real-estate market in the state of Florida,” the governor said. “And Florida’s economy will continue to boom and create a better bottom line for Floridians and for our state.’”  “Tax cut, real-estate glut“.

“A Practice That Ought to Stop”

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board observes that

a number of public servants are also moonlighting, so to speak, by working to drum up donations and dollars for charities and philanthropic efforts. …

Still, it’s a practice that ought to stop. No matter how much public officials and donors deny any tit-for-tat, politicians who seek donations from individuals and companies, especially those with business before them, raise conflict-of-interest perceptions.

Let’s face it, the reason many public officials are asked to help in fundraising drives is because of their office. That’s what provides the public platform, the public persona that convinces many to give.

Charities and philanthropic agencies need all the help they can get. Mixing Good Samaritan efforts with politics may generate dollars for good causes, but it also raises doubts over whether some favored treatment will be extended down the line.

“Philanthropy“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Tallahassee Democrat Endorses Franks

The Tallahassee Democrat endorses Suzan Franks in SD 3 special election, saying

we would urge voters to support the candidacy of Ms. Franks, who served in the New Hampshire Legislature from 1992 to 2000 and served on her local board of education, and thus should know her way around a statewide political process. A relative newcomer to Florida, Ms. Franks may not have this state’s inner workings down pat, but she has a genuine interest in problem solving and a willingness to listen that suggests her potential to grow and make a difference in the least partisan of the two legislative chambers.

Mr. Dean, a retired Citrus County sheriff, is utterly devoted to his party, saying he will march to the tune of his leaders almost regardless of where they take him.

Ms. Franks’ vow to be an independent fighter is more in the spirit of Ms. Argenziano, who took on the leadership, lobbyists and the lions of party politics, but ultimately won broad respect for her effectiveness.

“Vote Tuesday“.

In the meantime, “Crist made a late push Saturday to boost voter turnout for Republican state Senate candidate Charlie Dean against Democrat Suzan Franks, touting him as a conservative tax cutter and tough crime fighter.”

Campaign-finance records show that Greer, Crist and the state GOP have been whipping up enormous support for Dean among Republican contributors and business interests. His final report, submitted late Friday, showed $506,633 in contributions and $248,743 worth of in-kind contributions of services and materials, primarily from the Republican Party.

Dean said his spending totaled $421,192 for the campaign.

Franks, by contrast, reported total financing of $65,336 - including $3,900 of her own money and about $48,000 worth of in-kind services and materials provided by supporters. The Florida Democratic Party accounted for at least $33,000 of her financing, along with several donations from county Democratic chapters.

“Dean, Franks vie for votes“.

“Reform”?

Randy Shultz argues that “to call this a tax ‘reform’ amendment would be like calling The Sopranos a show about psychotherapy.”

Florida’s property-tax system has two big problems. Save Our Homes gives homesteaders, especially long-time homesteaders, artificial protection from taxes. Landlords, business owners and snowbirds get no such protection. And because of that artificial protection, homesteaders who want to move within Florida stay put because they would pay much more, even in a smaller house. That hurts the real-estate market.

According to the original script, the Legislature would have adjourned Friday after an 11-day special session that produced an amendment to fix those problems. Instead, the Legislature adjourned after just three days, producing an amendment that wouldn’t fix those problems. So, why were the Republicans smiling and shaking hands?

Because they had done something, and it was clear when the session opened that Florida would get something but no more. Something turns out to be something that almost everyone can vote against.

“Tax session: Back to the usual politics“.

Legal Fight on the Horizon

The Buzz, in “More legal questions raised about tax deal“, reports that “an updated analysis [on the Legislature’s property tax ‘reform’ by a law firm representing municipalities] argues the proposed constitutional amendment contains a misleading statement in which everyone would get a minimum $50,000 homestead exemption. But only those who switch to the new program get the higher amount; those who elect to stay with Save Our Homes keep the standard $25,000.  It also argues that, if approved by voters on Jan. 29, the plan would violate equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution “by creating two classes of homestead property taxpayers.”.

Citizens

“Florida’s state-run insurer finally is acting like a real insurance company: It isn’t paying claims.”

In some parts of the state, lawyers are making a living suing private firms for slow-pay or no-pay. In addition, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. still hasn’t settled about 3,500 claims from the 2004 and 2005 storm seasons. At a hearing last week in Broward County, aggrieved policyholders vented to the task force that is reviewing the claims. Citizens officials responded that they were unprepared for the surge and are trying to do better. Actually, both sides have a point.

“Florida stakes a claim“.

Plan B

“A little known but powerful panel is positioned to pick up the pieces on property taxes if voters reject the Legislature’s proposal.  “  “Tax flop? Panel is backup“.  See who is on the panel here.

Privatization Fiasco: Twice As Expensive, Inferior Results

“Florida began handing over its child welfare duties to private agencies a decade ago, vowing children would be safer.”

The Legislature mandated the privatization to begin in 1997.

Gov. Jeb Bush took on the effort as a point of personal pride and the statewide transition to private foster care in all 67 counties was completed in 2005.

DCF now acts as a supervisor of child welfare and a pass-through agency for funding to 20 private community agencies overseeing about 500 subcontracts for case management, direct care, foster care placement, mental health and adoption.

A state audit last year showed the cost of the current child welfare system rose 83 percent per child over six years. Statewide annual funding per child grew from $9,800 in 1998 to $18,000 in 2005.

Perhaps more surprising, the audit found that children are suffering abuse at a higher rate … .

Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Bob Butterworth stands by this privatization fiasco: “Private care still works best, he said … .”  “Failures persist in child welfare“.

Villalobos Backstabber To Be Senate President

“Looks like a pair of Central Floridians will be running the Florida Legislature come 2010.  Sen. Mike Haridopolos, a Republican from Melbourne [one of the senators behind Villalobos’ ouster] whose district includes most of Osceola County and much of Brevard, says he’s gathered enough commitments from fellow GOP senators to ensure he’ll become Senate president after the 2010 elections.  That would be put him in line to serve opposite Rep. Dean Cannon, a Winter Park Republican who had already locked up the job of House speaker for the same two-year term. (The two already have some history, as each served as his respective chamber’s lead negotiator on property taxes for much of this spring.)”  “Dominoes fall for Haridopolos“.

Political Developments

The week in review from The St Pete Times.

That’s Our Connie

“Speaking to a gathering of Lee County Republicans in Estero today, Mack said he wouldn t compromise in his position opposing amnesty, even as members of Congress face pressure to pass some sort of immigration legislation soon.”  “Congressman spoke on immigration to a gathering of Lee County Republicans in Estero on Saturday“.

Elimination and Reduction of Services to the Disabled

“The Florida Legislature approved eliminating and reducing some services next month to developmentally disabled people under the state’s Medicaid waiver program.  The Legislature cut services to put a dent in a projected $153 million deficit next year at the state Agency for Persons with Disabilities.”  “Families fear cuts in services“.

Gambling

“Gambling apparently is no longer the sin it once was in Florida.  The state may not be another Nevada, but a bevy of gaming-related legislation passed in the spring legislative session offering players more slot machines, bigger poker pots and longer hours of operation.”  “State Betting On Gaming Expansion“.  Meanwhile, “Slot machine gamble has yet to pay off in Broward County“.

‘Glades

“Legislation awaiting Gov. Charlie Crist’s signature doubles the annual Everglades cleanup fund to $200 million through 2020 with an emphasis on improving the quality of water from the Kissimmee River Valley and other basins that drain into Lake Okeechobee, often called ‘the liquid heart of the Everglades.’”  “Runoff cleanup is taking shape“.

TV/Radio Marti

“Rep. Bill Delahunt interviewed Radio and TV Marti officials Saturday about improving the federally funded broadcast to Cuba.  Delahunt, D-Mass., also met with a group of mostly Democratic Cuban exiles, urging them to get more involved in public debates over the future of the Communist island.”  “Congressman pushes better TV/Radio Marti“.

Citizenship Petitions

“According to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, immigrants filed 46,884 citizenship petitions in Florida during the first four months of 2007, a 75 percent increase from the same period last year.”  “U.S. Citizenship applications soar in South Florida and throughout the country“.

Florida’s Booming Economy?

“In signing the tax cut, Crist insisted that sunny days lie ahead.  ‘Cutting local property taxes will ignite the real-estate market in the state of Florida,” the governor said. “And Florida’s economy will continue to boom and create a better bottom line for Floridians and for our state.’”  “Tax cut, real-estate glut“.

“A Practice That Ought to Stop”

The Sun-Sentinel editorial board observes that

a number of public servants are also moonlighting, so to speak, by working to drum up donations and dollars for charities and philanthropic efforts. …

Still, it’s a practice that ought to stop. No matter how much public officials and donors deny any tit-for-tat, politicians who seek donations from individuals and companies, especially those with business before them, raise conflict-of-interest perceptions.

Let’s face it, the reason many public officials are asked to help in fundraising drives is because of their office. That’s what provides the public platform, the public persona that convinces many to give.

Charities and philanthropic agencies need all the help they can get. Mixing Good Samaritan efforts with politics may generate dollars for good causes, but it also raises doubts over whether some favored treatment will be extended down the line.

“Philanthropy“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

You Knew This Was Coming

“While Florida lawmakers bask in the afterglow of their mammoth property-tax cut, cities and counties are weighing whether to launch a legal fight to undo the new law.  Next week, representatives from more than two dozen local governments are gathering at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel for an ‘emergency briefing’ from a South Florida law firm over the implications and possible legal challenges to the property-tax rollback Gov. Charlie Crist signed Thursday.”  “Cities, counties weigh fighting property-tax rollback“.

On a related note (and we are not making this up), “House Speaker Marco Rubio’s office this week refused to comment … citing attorney-client privilege.”

Meanwhile, “Support for tax referendum slow to emerge“: “It’s easy to see who’s lining up to fight the proposal to increase the homestead exemption: cities, counties, unions, sheriffs, firefighters and the Democratic Party, which calls the tax cut a record cut in school spending.  But who’s leading the charge to get people to support it?  Influential statewide business groups that like low taxes and usually support Republican policies are showing very little enthusiasm for the property tax referendum.”

A Bushco Thing

The Palm Beach Post reminds us today of Bushco’s penchant for politicizing the prosecutorial function: “In Florida, the 20 state attorneys work for the governor, and he can intervene. Admittedly, that power also can be problematic. In 2002, his reelection year, Jeb Bush removed the Miami-Dade County state attorney, a Democrat, from an investigation. Katherine Fernandez-Rundle was checking fraud allegations against a group seeking a referendum to overturn a gay rights ordinance. His move came one day before the group faced a contempt hearing.”  “Judicial emergency brake“.

And remember this?  “A month before voters went to the polls [to vote on the FLSA amendment], criticism of ACORN mounted. … the [Florida] Department of Law Enforcement took the unusual step of publicizing the fact it was investigating ACORN; and another lawsuit filed in state court in Tallahassee, but later withdrawn, alleged the group committed fraud in collecting petitions for the ballot measure.”  “Politicization of the FDLE“.

After all, as former FDLE spokeswoman Elizabeth Wimberley Bernbaum wrote,

During his first term, Gov. Jeb Bush regularly inserted himself into ongoing investigations of political or particularly sensitive natures while I worked with FDLE by requesting continuous updates and tacitly pressuring the agency at every level.

“Witch Hunt” (”June 16, 2004 Orlando Sentinel guest column, “FDLE Sheds Core Values” (available on LEXIS)”).

And then there was the Buddy Dyer thing.  “A special prosecutor on Wednesday dropped all charges alleging that Mayor Buddy Dyer and three others violated a state law that prohibits payments for collection of absentee ballots, a spokesman for the mayor said. … Dyer, a Democrat who had been suspended by Republican Gov. Jeb Bush when the charges were announced March 11, will be automatically reinstated as mayor with dismissal of the indictment. … Dyer had denied that he or anyone connected with his campaign had violated any law and insisted the charges were politically motivated.”  “Mayor cleared of absentee ballot charges“.  More here.

To be sure, as Mike Thomas put it in connection with the Dyer affair,  Jebbie “looks like a doofus for putting a Republican prosecutor in charge of investigating Democrats, then booting a Democratic mayor out of office because of that investigation, then having to reinstate him.”

However, as recent events show, it is not merely “Jeb!” looking like a “doofus” - which of course was and remains true - but, much more importantly, is further proof of Bushco’s politicization of the law enforcement/prosecutorial function.

A Politically Expedient Exaggeration?

“The 24.3 percent average property insurance rate cut policyholders across the state were told they could look forward to likely will be closer to 15 percent, according to the state’s top insurance official.”  “Home insurance savings come up short from early estimates“.

Florida Five

“Need proof that Democrats are feeling like winners in Florida these days? Just listen to them talk about their chances of gaining more ground in Congress during the 2008 election. … It makes Florida a pivotal state in what both parties see as a critical election that will also pick the next president, and one that could potentially see seven congressional incumbents in heated battles to keep their seats. … For Democrats, the targets are Reps. Vern Buchanan, Ric Keller, Dave Weldon, Tom Feeney and C.W. ‘Bill’ Young.”

- Buchanan barely won his District 13 seat in the Sarasota area after spending more than $5 million of his own money on the race. He won by 369 votes. His opponent, Christine Jennings, believes touch-screen voting machines lost thousands of ballots and that she would have won if all votes had been counted.

- Keller promised to leave office after eight years, then decided after the last election to break his vow. He’ll have to use resources in a primary before facing a Democratic opponent. Democrats see signs the District 8 seat that includes the Orlando area could favor one of their candidates, and they’ll make a case that Keller’s voting record doesn’t reflect the interests of his constituents.

- Weldon underperformed at the polls last year when he was re-elected in District 15, which represents the Atlantic coast from Vero Beach north to Cape Canaveral. He was re-elected with 56 percent of the vote, but against a weak Democratic candidate who spent far less money. A stronger, better financed candidate could be a challenge.

- Feeney’s District 24, which stretches from the area north and east of Orlando to Brevard and Volusia counties’ coastline, would normally be considered safely his. But Feeney’s golf trip to Scotland with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff could taint the congressman as Democrats continue to make ethics an issue in 2008.

- Young’s District 10 seat, which represents Pinellas County, is slightly Republican, but trends show the large independent voting bloc favors Democratic candidates. Young also hasn’t been seriously tested in years.

“Florida will be a congressional battleground again in 2008“.

Feeney Denies He’s A Crook

“U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney has established a legal-defense fund to pay costs relating to an ongoing Justice Department inquiry into his ties with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.”  “Feeney sets up legal fund amid Justice inquiry“.  See also “More coverage of Tom Feeney’s connection to Jack Abramoff“.

Newspaper Editors Fete Charlie

“Crist, whose first official act as governor was to create the Office of Open Government, received an award Friday at a newspaper convention for advancing the idea of open government.”

Before receiving the award Crist, praised editors for their work.

“I feel a kindred spirit with you, in all seriousness, because you’re public servants too,” he said. “Together we serve the people of this great state that you and I love so much.”

“Crist given open government award at editors’ convention“.

More From The Liberal Media

The firefighter bashing continues, this time in The Miami Herald:

Yes, firefighters, like police officers, put their lives on the line. This week, a tragic reminder of this came when nine firefighters died after a ceiling collapsed in a blazing furniture showroom in Charleston, S.C. Hazards for first responders cannot be understated.

Still, it can be said safely that no U.S. firefighter, paramedic or police officer has been coerced into choosing that particular career. They know the risks up front when they freely choose these professions.

“A Platinum Standard for Firefighters“.  The audacity of firefighters to insist on decent pensions (via those pesky firefighter unions).  If trends like that continue, the MSM may be compelled to actually provide decent pensions for their own employees.

Privatization Fiasco

“Department of Children & Families Secretary Bob Butterworth used words like ‘unconscionable’ and ‘inexcusable’ Friday to describe a privately run Tampa Bay child welfare agency’s supervision of a 2-year-old foster child who was found last week in a Wisconsin home where another boy was tortured.”  “Tampa agency criticized for letting tot disappear“.

“Which People?”

“Since Jan. 2, ‘the people’s governor’ has been advancing a ‘people’s agenda’ with the help of ‘the people’s Legislature’ and, not least of all, the people.”

But which people?

The people suffering under the weight of high property taxes?

Or the people being shipped to the unemployment line so cities and counties can absorb these state-mandated tax cuts?

Is it the people who believe government is bloated? Or the people who know Florida ranks near the very bottom of states in per-pupil spending and high school dropout rates? Is it the people who want college tuition to be as cheap as possible? Or the people running our universities who say rock-bottom tuition is cheating our kids?

Simply put, is it the mob that screams the loudest?

“Florida didn’t elect John Q. Public“.

SD 3

“A poll [.rtf download] conducted this week for the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Republican Charlie Dean up 54-34 over Democrat Suzan Franks in the Senate District 3 contest.”  “Poll: Dean up 20 points“.

Space Jobs

“The countdown clock is running for the mothballing of the space shuttle in 2010, but Florida’s efforts to save 5,000 Kennedy Space Center jobs have been on hold.”  “Efforts to save space center jobs on hold“.

Brain Trust

“While Florida voters waited for the property tax reform that lawmakers promised them, the two men charged with crafting the proposal sat in an Orlando-area business office eating chicken nuggets and waffle fries.  The two Republican lawmakers - one a state senator in the twilight of a political career of nearly three decades, the other a third-year House member hoping to lead his chamber in 2011 - gnawed on concepts and fused competing plans while they munched on take-out from Chick-fil-A during the month between the legislature’s regular and special sessions.”

From the House, lead negotiator Rep. Dean Cannon, 38, of Winter Park refused to budge from the $47 billion that his leadership team wanted to cut over five years. House leaders wanted to eliminate property taxes on primary homes, known as homesteads, and replace some of the lost revenues with a state sales tax hike.

Senate Republican Leader Daniel Webster, 58, of Winter Garden wanted a package worth $15 billion in cuts. He criticized the House’s tax swap as “regressive” and nearly walked out of a joint House-Senate meeting in frustration as lawmakers failed to close the gap between the two chambers.

All committee meetings on tax reform were called off, and Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, and House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, assigned Webster and Cannon to continue their talks privately. Florida law requires meetings involving three or more lawmakers discussing legislation to be open to the public.

“Cool heads crafted tax cut“.

Guetzloe

“Orlando area political consultant Doug Guetzloe faces $4,000 in fines for violating election laws during the 2003 city elections in Daytona Beach.  Judge Daniel Kilbride, with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings in Tallahassee, issued an order Monday finding Guetzloe failed three times to file timely election finance reports and failed to file any report on actual expenditures of $9,790.84.”  “Judge fines ex-Daytona candidate over election reports“.

FEMA Follies

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency must turn over to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and other news organizations the addresses of 1.3 million disaster aid recipients, a federal appellate court in Atlanta ruled Friday.”

FEMA had been fighting to keep the information secret for almost three years.

The Sun-Sentinel sought the addresses as part of its reports on fraud and mismanagement in FEMA’s disaster aid program after Hurricane Frances lashed Florida during Labor Day weekend 2004.

“Court rules FEMA must turn over documents to Sun-Sentinel“.

“Climbing Out From Under Jeb’s Legacy”

“There are two state Departments of Children and Families. One is the bureaucracy that former Gov. Bush ‘overhauled,’ funneling state responsibility for abused, neglected and disabled children and adults to private agencies and hiding details of wrongdoing. Then there’s the new DCF, the one - lawsuit by lawsuit, apology by apology, new policy by new policy - climbing out from under Jeb’s legacy.”  “DCF under Butterworth changing case by case“.

Is It A Newspaper Or Not?

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: “In the history of journalism, one tool has been consistently used to hush voices of opposition. The very system of laws that gives us the right to a free press are used to hamstring that press when someone doesn’t want to hear what’s being said, or read what’s being published.”

That’s the trouble Julia Hanway ran into when the Florida Elections Commission decided that the newspaper she self-published, The Wakulla Independent Reporter, with its lack of commercial advertisement, wasn’t a newspaper at all.

The troubles began when someone in Ms. Hanway’s readership area - like kings, lawmakers and public figures before them - decided they didn’t like what she was writing about and filed a complaint with the commission following the 2004 elections. More than $10,000 and three years later, Ms. Hanway’s operation has been nearly crippled by the legal battle, a victory for those who do not see her work as an exercise in freedom of the press.

But like that of Silence Dogood, which was Benjamin Franklin’s pen name, and blogger contemporaries, Ms. Hanway’s work is necessary for the sake of society’s conscience. Raising awareness and criticizing the actions of policymakers are the bark and bite of watchdog journalism.

“Unbought and unbossed“.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

“House approval this week of a huge increase in funding for a controversial program to promote democracy in Cuba delivered a legislative victory for anti-Castro advocates from South Florida. But critics warn the money could be squandered on attempts to influence public opinion rather than used to help dissidents.  The House action, on a vote of 254 to 170, was the first test of strength on Cuba policy under the Democratic-run Congress, and the first round went to embargo hardliners.”  “U.S. House votes to increase funding for program to promote democracy in Cuba to $45.7 million“.

“Voters Didn’t Know What They Were Doing”?

“Two weeks ago, lawyers for some Florida hospitals argued that the voters didn’t know what they were doing in 2004.”

That year, by a 4 to 1 margin, voters amended the state constitution to allow patients “the right to review, upon request, records of health-care facilities’ or providers’ adverse medical incidents, including those that could cause injury or death.” The idea was that patients could shop around, based on past performance.

But in 2005, medical lobbyists persuaded the Legislature to limit the amendment’s reach to incidents after Amendment 7 passed, and to incidents that involve “the same or substantially similar condition, treatment or diagnosis.” So, patients could shop around, based on what hadn’t happened, and the shopping was limited. Doctors also are allowed to post on the Department of Health Web site only the information they want to reveal.

Patients in malpractice cases challenged the 2005 law. Lower courts determined that the Legislature’s limit on the scope of the amendment was unconstitutional. The courts differed, though, on whether the amendment could be applied retroactively. The case has reached the Florida Supreme Court, where the hospitals’ attorneys asked the justices for a two-fer: Limit the amendment’s reach, and keep it from being retroactive.

“Open doctors’ records“.

Whatever

“Towson Fraser, the current director of legislative affairs for Gov. Charlie Crist, is getting promoted to deputy chief of staff. Crist’s office made the announcement Friday. In the release Crist said that the 41-year-old Fraser, who once served as communications director for former House Speaker Allan Bense and is a new father, would continue to serve as legislative affairs director in conjunction with his new job. … Fraser is replacing Jim Rimes, who stepped down from his post to become executive director of the Republican Party of Florida.”  “Towson Fraser gets a promotion from Crist“.  See also “Crist Aide Gets a Bump“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

You Knew This Was Coming

“While Florida lawmakers bask in the afterglow of their mammoth property-tax cut, cities and counties are weighing whether to launch a legal fight to undo the new law.  Next week, representatives from more than two dozen local governments are gathering at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel for an ‘emergency briefing’ from a South Florida law firm over the implications and possible legal challenges to the property-tax rollback Gov. Charlie Crist signed Thursday.”  “Cities, counties weigh fighting property-tax rollback“.

On a related note (and we are not making this up), “House Speaker Marco Rubio’s office this week refused to comment … citing attorney-client privilege.”

Meanwhile, “Support for tax referendum slow to emerge“: “It’s easy to see who’s lining up to fight the proposal to increase the homestead exemption: cities, counties, unions, sheriffs, firefighters and the Democratic Party, which calls the tax cut a record cut in school spending.  But who’s leading the charge to get people to support it?  Influential statewide business groups that like low taxes and usually support Republican policies are showing very little enthusiasm for the property tax referendum.”

A Bushco Thing

The Palm Beach Post reminds us today of Bushco’s penchant for politicizing the prosecutorial function: “In Florida, the 20 state attorneys work for the governor, and he can intervene. Admittedly, that power also can be problematic. In 2002, his reelection year, Jeb Bush removed the Miami-Dade County state attorney, a Democrat, from an investigation. Katherine Fernandez-Rundle was checking fraud allegations against a group seeking a referendum to overturn a gay rights ordinance. His move came one day before the group faced a contempt hearing.”  “Judicial emergency brake“.

And remember this?  “A month before voters went to the polls [to vote on the FLSA amendment], criticism of ACORN mounted. … the [Florida] Department of Law Enforcement took the unusual step of publicizing the fact it was investigating ACORN; and another lawsuit filed in state court in Tallahassee, but later withdrawn, alleged the group committed fraud in collecting petitions for the ballot measure.”  “Politicization of the FDLE“.

After all, as former FDLE spokeswoman Elizabeth Wimberley Bernbaum wrote,

During his first term, Gov. Jeb Bush regularly inserted himself into ongoing investigations of political or particularly sensitive natures while I worked with FDLE by requesting continuous updates and tacitly pressuring the agency at every level.

“Witch Hunt” (”June 16, 2004 Orlando Sentinel guest column, “FDLE Sheds Core Values” (available on LEXIS)”).

And then there was the Buddy Dyer thing.  “A special prosecutor on Wednesday dropped all charges alleging that Mayor Buddy Dyer and three others violated a state law that prohibits payments for collection of absentee ballots, a spokesman for the mayor said. … Dyer, a Democrat who had been suspended by Republican Gov. Jeb Bush when the charges were announced March 11, will be automatically reinstated as mayor with dismissal of the indictment. … Dyer had denied that he or anyone connected with his campaign had violated any law and insisted the charges were politically motivated.”  “Mayor cleared of absentee ballot charges“.  More here.

To be sure, as Mike Thomas put it in connection with the Dyer affair,  Jebbie “looks like a doofus for putting a Republican prosecutor in charge of investigating Democrats, then booting a Democratic mayor out of office because of that investigation, then having to reinstate him.”

However, as recent events show, it is not merely “Jeb!” looking like a “doofus” - which of course was and remains true - but, much more importantly, is further proof of Bushco’s politicization of the law enforcement/prosecutorial function.

A Politically Expedient Exaggeration?

“The 24.3 percent average property insurance rate cut policyholders across the state were told they could look forward to likely will be closer to 15 percent, according to the state’s top insurance official.”  “Home insurance savings come up short from early estimates“.

Florida Five

“Need proof that Democrats are feeling like winners in Florida these days? Just listen to them talk about their chances of gaining more ground in Congress during the 2008 election. … It makes Florida a pivotal state in what both parties see as a critical election that will also pick the next president, and one that could potentially see seven congressional incumbents in heated battles to keep their seats. … For Democrats, the targets are Reps. Vern Buchanan, Ric Keller, Dave Weldon, Tom Feeney and C.W. ‘Bill’ Young.”

- Buchanan barely won his District 13 seat in the Sarasota area after spending more than $5 million of his own money on the race. He won by 369 votes. His opponent, Christine Jennings, believes touch-screen voting machines lost thousands of ballots and that she would have won if all votes had been counted.

- Keller promised to leave office after eight years, then decided after the last election to break his vow. He’ll have to use resources in a primary before facing a Democratic opponent. Democrats see signs the District 8 seat that includes the Orlando area could favor one of their candidates, and they’ll make a case that Keller’s voting record doesn’t reflect the interests of his constituents.

- Weldon underperformed at the polls last year when he was re-elected in District 15, which represents the Atlantic coast from Vero Beach north to Cape Canaveral. He was re-elected with 56 percent of the vote, but against a weak Democratic candidate who spent far less money. A stronger, better financed candidate could be a challenge.

- Feeney’s District 24, which stretches from the area north and east of Orlando to Brevard and Volusia counties’ coastline, would normally be considered safely his. But Feeney’s golf trip to Scotland with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff could taint the congressman as Democrats continue to make ethics an issue in 2008.

- Young’s District 10 seat, which represents Pinellas County, is slightly Republican, but trends show the large independent voting bloc favors Democratic candidates. Young also hasn’t been seriously tested in years.

“Florida will be a congressional battleground again in 2008“.

Feeney Denies He’s A Crook

“U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney has established a legal-defense fund to pay costs relating to an ongoing Justice Department inquiry into his ties with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.”  “Feeney sets up legal fund amid Justice inquiry“.  See also “More coverage of Tom Feeney’s connection to Jack Abramoff“.

Newspaper Editors Fete Charlie

“Crist, whose first official act as governor was to create the Office of Open Government, received an award Friday at a newspaper convention for advancing the idea of open government.”

Before receiving the award Crist, praised editors for their work.

“I feel a kindred spirit with you, in all seriousness, because you’re public servants too,” he said. “Together we serve the people of this great state that you and I love so much.”

“Crist given open government award at editors’ convention“.

More From The Liberal Media

The firefighter bashing continues, this time in The Miami Herald:

Yes, firefighters, like police officers, put their lives on the line. This week, a tragic reminder of this came when nine firefighters died after a ceiling collapsed in a blazing furniture showroom in Charleston, S.C. Hazards for first responders cannot be understated.

Still, it can be said safely that no U.S. firefighter, paramedic or police officer has been coerced into choosing that particular career. They know the risks up front when they freely choose these professions.

“A Platinum Standard for Firefighters“.  The audacity of firefighters to insist on decent pensions (via those pesky firefighter unions).  If trends like that continue, the MSM may be compelled to actually provide decent pensions for their own employees.

Privatization Fiasco

“Department of Children & Families Secretary Bob Butterworth used words like ‘unconscionable’ and ‘inexcusable’ Friday to describe a privately run Tampa Bay child welfare agency’s supervision of a 2-year-old foster child who was found last week in a Wisconsin home where another boy was tortured.”  “Tampa agency criticized for letting tot disappear“.

“Which People?”

“Since Jan. 2, ‘the people’s governor’ has been advancing a ‘people’s agenda’ with the help of ‘the people’s Legislature’ and, not least of all, the people.”

But which people?

The people suffering under the weight of high property taxes?

Or the people being shipped to the unemployment line so cities and counties can absorb these state-mandated tax cuts?

Is it the people who believe government is bloated? Or the people who know Florida ranks near the very bottom of states in per-pupil spending and high school dropout rates? Is it the people who want college tuition to be as cheap as possible? Or the people running our universities who say rock-bottom tuition is cheating our kids?

Simply put, is it the mob that screams the loudest?

“Florida didn’t elect John Q. Public“.

SD 3

“A poll [.rtf download] conducted this week for the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows Republican Charlie Dean up 54-34 over Democrat Suzan Franks in the Senate District 3 contest.”  “Poll: Dean up 20 points“.

Space Jobs

“The countdown clock is running for the mothballing of the space shuttle in 2010, but Florida’s efforts to save 5,000 Kennedy Space Center jobs have been on hold.”  “Efforts to save space center jobs on hold“.

Brain Trust

“While Florida voters waited for the property tax reform that lawmakers promised them, the two men charged with crafting the proposal sat in an Orlando-area business office eating chicken nuggets and waffle fries.  The two Republican lawmakers - one a state senator in the twilight of a political career of nearly three decades, the other a third-year House member hoping to lead his chamber in 2011 - gnawed on concepts and fused competing plans while they munched on take-out from Chick-fil-A during the month between the legislature’s regular and special sessions.”

From the House, lead negotiator Rep. Dean Cannon, 38, of Winter Park refused to budge from the $47 billion that his leadership team wanted to cut over five years. House leaders wanted to eliminate property taxes on primary homes, known as homesteads, and replace some of the lost revenues with a state sales tax hike.

Senate Republican Leader Daniel Webster, 58, of Winter Garden wanted a package worth $15 billion in cuts. He criticized the House’s tax swap as “regressive” and nearly walked out of a joint House-Senate meeting in frustration as lawmakers failed to close the gap between the two chambers.

All committee meetings on tax reform were called off, and Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, and House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, assigned Webster and Cannon to continue their talks privately. Florida law requires meetings involving three or more lawmakers discussing legislation to be open to the public.

“Cool heads crafted tax cut“.

Guetzloe

“Orlando area political consultant Doug Guetzloe faces $4,000 in fines for violating election laws during the 2003 city elections in Daytona Beach.  Judge Daniel Kilbride, with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings in Tallahassee, issued an order Monday finding Guetzloe failed three times to file timely election finance reports and failed to file any report on actual expenditures of $9,790.84.”  “Judge fines ex-Daytona candidate over election reports“.

FEMA Follies

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency must turn over to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and other news organizations the addresses of 1.3 million disaster aid recipients, a federal appellate court in Atlanta ruled Friday.”

FEMA had been fighting to keep the information secret for almost three years.

The Sun-Sentinel sought the addresses as part of its reports on fraud and mismanagement in FEMA’s disaster aid program after Hurricane Frances lashed Florida during Labor Day weekend 2004.

“Court rules FEMA must turn over documents to Sun-Sentinel“.

“Climbing Out From Under Jeb’s Legacy”

“There are two state Departments of Children and Families. One is the bureaucracy that former Gov. Bush ‘overhauled,’ funneling state responsibility for abused, neglected and disabled children and adults to private agencies and hiding details of wrongdoing. Then there’s the new DCF, the one - lawsuit by lawsuit, apology by apology, new policy by new policy - climbing out from under Jeb’s legacy.”  “DCF under Butterworth changing case by case“.

Is It A Newspaper Or Not?

The Tallahassee Democrat editors: “In the history of journalism, one tool has been consistently used to hush voices of opposition. The very system of laws that gives us the right to a free press are used to hamstring that press when someone doesn’t want to hear what’s being said, or read what’s being published.”

That’s the trouble Julia Hanway ran into when the Florida Elections Commission decided that the newspaper she self-published, The Wakulla Independent Reporter, with its lack of commercial advertisement, wasn’t a newspaper at all.

The troubles began when someone in Ms. Hanway’s readership area - like kings, lawmakers and public figures before them - decided they didn’t like what she was writing about and filed a complaint with the commission following the 2004 elections. More than $10,000 and three years later, Ms. Hanway’s operation has been nearly crippled by the legal battle, a victory for those who do not see her work as an exercise in freedom of the press.

But like that of Silence Dogood, which was Benjamin Franklin’s pen name, and blogger contemporaries, Ms. Hanway’s work is necessary for the sake of society’s conscience. Raising awareness and criticizing the actions of policymakers are the bark and bite of watchdog journalism.

“Unbought and unbossed“.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

“House approval this week of a huge increase in funding for a controversial program to promote democracy in Cuba delivered a legislative victory for anti-Castro advocates from South Florida. But critics warn the money could be squandered on attempts to influence public opinion rather than used to help dissidents.  The House action, on a vote of 254 to 170, was the first test of strength on Cuba policy under the Democratic-run Congress, and the first round went to embargo hardliners.”  “U.S. House votes to increase funding for program to promote democracy in Cuba to $45.7 million“.

“Voters Didn’t Know What They Were Doing”?

“Two weeks ago, lawyers for some Florida hospitals argued that the voters didn’t know what they were doing in 2004.”

That year, by a 4 to 1 margin, voters amended the state constitution to allow patients “the right to review, upon request, records of health-care facilities’ or providers’ adverse medical incidents, including those that could cause injury or death.” The idea was that patients could shop around, based on past performance.

But in 2005, medical lobbyists persuaded the Legislature to limit the amendment’s reach to incidents after Amendment 7 passed, and to incidents that involve “the same or substantially similar condition, treatment or diagnosis.” So, patients could shop around, based on what hadn’t happened, and the shopping was limited. Doctors also are allowed to post on the Department of Health Web site only the information they want to reveal.

Patients in malpractice cases challenged the 2005 law. Lower courts determined that the Legislature’s limit on the scope of the amendment was unconstitutional. The courts differed, though, on whether the amendment could be applied retroactively. The case has reached the Florida Supreme Court, where the hospitals’ attorneys asked the justices for a two-fer: Limit the amendment’s reach, and keep it from being retroactive.

“Open doctors’ records“.

Whatever

“Towson Fraser, the current director of legislative affairs for Gov. Charlie Crist, is getting promoted to deputy chief of staff. Crist’s office made the announcement Friday. In the release Crist said that the 41-year-old Fraser, who once served as communications director for former House Speaker Allan Bense and is a new father, would continue to serve as legislative affairs director in conjunction with his new job. … Fraser is replacing Jim Rimes, who stepped down from his post to become executive director of the Republican Party of Florida.”  “Towson Fraser gets a promotion from Crist“.  See also “Crist Aide Gets a Bump“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Mel Gets Confused

It is no secret that Mel ain’t the sharpest knife in the drawer.  “A flip-flop by Sen. Mel Martinez in his vote last week to relax a quarter-century-old ban on new offshore drilling has left some environmentalists puzzled.”

Martinez initially voted for the amendment to the Senate energy bill by fellow GOP Sen. John Warner of Virginia to allow natural gas exploration 50 miles off the Virginia coast. Then he switched his vote. …

Allowing one state’s governor and legislature to ignore the longstanding federal bans on drilling in the outer continental shelf would have set precedent to allow all coastal states to do so, critics of Warner’s amendment say.

“Our folks saw passage of this as leading to a domino effect,” said Karen Murphy, an expert on offshore drilling with the Sierra Club.

Martinez’s initial support of Warner’s amendment reflected his belief that states should have “the right to choose their destiny with respect to resource development as long as it doesn’t impact Florida,” explained the senator’s spokesman, Ken Lundberg,

That argument in essence is the same states-rights claim that has been raised by the oil industry in recent years. …

Murphy, the Sierra Club expert on offshore drilling, watched the vote and recalls that when Martinez initially voted for the drilling, she wondered, “What is he doing?”

“Senator Flips Drilling Vote“.

Dems in “Limbo”

“Whether Florida’s Democratic votes in the Jan. 29 primary will count remained in limbo Thursday after a closed-door meeting in Washington between members of Congress and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.”  “Status of primary votes undecided“.  See also “Democratic Reps Meet With Dean On Primary, Keep Lips Zipped“, “Florida Dems hope to save primary, delegates from DNC chopping block” and “Dems, Dean Discuss Primary” (”Florida Democratic Congress members met with DNC Chairman Howard Dean about the dilemma over the state’s presidential primary - but if they made any progress, no one was saying.”)

Life’s A Beach

Good Time

Charlie Crist signed into law the first piece of the largest tax cut in Florida history Thursday with a trip around the state that brought him to the homes of three recent home buyers — the one group that will reap the most savings if voters support phase two of the tax-cut plan.

‘’This is the people’s tax cut,'’ Crist said, predicting that all homeowners will see ‘’an immediate and substantial decrease'’ in their taxes and a deeper savings if voters approve a constitutional amendment to create a super-sized homestead exemption in January.

At the home of Michael Mathura and Sarojini Mohan in the Southwest Miami-Dade County subdivision of Valencia Acres, the governor was flanked by Republican House Speaker Marco Rubio and House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber and noted the bipartisan support for phase one of the tax-cut plan.

“Crist signs 1st phase of tax cut plan“.  See also “Crist signs first part of historic property tax-cut legislation“, “Property-tax cut becomes law“, “Crist trumpets state’s ‘largest tax cut’ while plugging vote for more savings“, “Florida governor signs property-tax relief bill“, “Crist signs Part 1 of tax-reform bill, OKs vote date” and “Crist signs tax bill; questions start flying“.

What’s all the fuss about?  After all, it is unclear as to

how much of those savings will ultimately wind up in the pockets of taxpayers remains unclear.

The piece of the two-part plan that’s effective immediately — valued at $15.6 billion over five years — includes provisions that allow cities and counties to sidestep both the immediate spending cuts ordered in the bill and a cap on future property-tax collections. Critics predict many local governments may accept the first-year cuts but vote to ignore future caps.

They say your city or county also may start demanding higher fees for programs such as parks, sports leagues and, where allowed, fire services, to make up lost revenue.

And the package’s second part — a January ballot measure creating a super-sized homestead exemption that could generate at least $8 billion in savings — is considered a long shot. Not only does it need 60 percent voter approval, but also local governments and unions are certain to offer fierce opposition. So far, no groups are lining up to campaign for the measure.

“Tax cut now law, but will it deliver?“.

And then there are the legal issues, particularly with respect to the first “part” pf the plan: “Download a legal analysis of the bill’s constitutionality (PDF)” (via The St Pete Times).

Another Fine Jebacy

The Tampa Trib editorial board: “The latest report comparing high school graduation rates from around the country shows Florida still near the bottom - and there’s probably more bad news on the way.”

Education Week reports Florida’s 2004 graduation rate at a dismal 60.5 percent. It’s even worse for Hispanic students at 59 percent and black students at 46.7 percent.

The national high school graduation rate is 69.9 percent. Florida’s ranking puts it at 45th of the 50 states - a disgrace for the fourth largest state. …

Florida has been hiding its true high school failures for years by counting students who earn GEDs the same as those who finish four years of school and pass the FCAT. Education Week’s analysis of Florida’s graduation rate puts it more than 10 points below what the state reported for that year because it didn’t count students who earned GEDs.

Most employers don’t consider a GED the same as a high school diploma, and neither should the state.

“A Summer Of Discontent For High Schools“.

Here’s an idea: amend the Florida constitution to permit massive property tax cuts and at the same time reduce education funding in a state that is at the bottom of the barrel in per capita spending.

Here’s another idea: the MSM should give credit for the current state of affairs to the fellow who “proclaimed himself the ‘education governor’“, and whose eight (8) years of so-called “reforms” created what even the Trib editors recognize to be  a “disgrace.”

Don’t count on the latter happening anytime soon. 

There are too many editorial boards sunning themselves in the reflected glory of Jebbie’s brilliant education “reforms”; for instance, The Orlando Sentinel editorial board today: “Has [acting state Education Commissioner Jeanine] Blomberg, who has spent 30 years in the Department of Education, not noticed what has happened in the past five years? Florida students — both minorities and non-minorities — are achieving more than ever.”  “Earth to Jeanine Blomberg“.  It is difficult to accept claims of “achievement” at face value when, as reported yesterday, “Florida school administrators now question the validity of all previous years’ FCAT scores and wonder whether other mistakes were never reported, according to a new poll.  45 percent said they were somewhat suspicious of previous scores under Gov. Jeb Bush. Another 44 percent said they questioned the scores ‘a lot.’” “Florida school administrators question FCAT scores’ validity“.

Earth to The Orlando Sentinel editorial board.

Out Here In The Fields

“Karla Rodriguez Chavez, a Mexican national, is among dozens of farmworkers in the tomato fields of Bristol - and one of thousands of workers nationwide - who hope a bill in Congress will allow them to stay in the U.S. permanently.  As the mother of two packed her truck Wednesday with buckets of tomatoes the field hands carried over to her, tossing out the ones too bruised to make the cut, she gave an impassioned plea for reform.”  “Local farmworkers plead for reform“.

“Crist right on energy, way off on growth”

“Crist took a stand Wednesday when he vetoed a sweeping energy bill, saying it didn’t go far enough in building a statewide framework for conservation. …  But Crist’s actions on two other bills suggest the governor isn’t taking conservation as seriously as he should. … The bills Crist signed into law Tuesday are likely to make the state’s growth-management problems worse. One strips crucial provisions from a 2005 law intended to control growth by ensuring that needed infrastructure — such as water-treatment capacity and schools — is in place before development is allowed. … The other measure Crist approved will allow the construction of privately financed toll roads, potentially opening thousands of acres of wilderness to sprawl, and putting even more cars on Florida roads.”  “Mixed messages.  See also “Energizing” (”Floridians like the talk, Governor. But what’s the plan?”)

“Tax Cuts Will Hurt”

“Miami-Dade County can’t achieve the state-mandated budget cuts next year simply by ‘cutting the fat’ — and the county fire district will take a substantial hit, a memo penned by County Manager George Burgess said Thursday.”  “Dade manager says tax cuts will hurt“.  See also “PB County weighs the good, bad and ugly of tax cuts” and “Predicted tax shortfall may close some early-voting sites“.

The Wisdom of Tom Feeney

Feeney is foaming at the mouth again:

Despite the fact that three votes to limit debate on the disastrous Kennedy amnesty proposal in the Senate have failed, like a bad penny, it has turned up again.

“Feeney: Wake up, Senate: No immigration-amnesty sellout“.

Feeney’s diatribe fails to mention either Dubya or RNC Chair Martinez, but manages to identify one individual three (3) times in the short piece:

- “the disastrous Kennedy amnesty proposal”.

- “The Kennedy proposal”.

- “Sen. Edward Kennedy’s amnesty proposal”.

Rumor has it that Feeney’s first draft included references to the Bay of Pigs and Chappaquiddick.

Raw Political Courage

“Crist to Sign Bill to Help Kids of POWs/MIAs“.  See also “Crist honors veterans“.

“Instant Bingo”

“There’s a lot more to instant bingo than helping aging military veterans fill empty halls.”  “Instant-bingo bill awaiting Crist’s OK“.

In Praise of Charlie

Mark Lane:

Two, three weeks easily have gone by since I’ve last written a column praising Gov. Charlie Crist.

One needs to watch this sort of thing lest it become habitual.

I’m so wary, that I’m reaching into my desk drawer and taking out the jar of asterisks I reserve for three-dot columns. Editors only allow me so many. You have no idea how much they cost.

“Open records and 3-dots“.  More: “Government” (”Crist is on a roll, at least when it comes to open government.”)

This Should Be Fun

“Lawmakers propose bill to ease trade, travel restrictions on Cuba“.  Meanwhile, “Giuliani flails Castro in S. Florida“.

Polk County P****** Match

“Tribune Polk County reporter Billy Townsend is checking into questions about strife between Polk County Republican state Sens. J.D. Alexander and Paula Dockery over the race for the post of Senate president in 2010.  The upshot: Alexander is backing out of the race, but instead of backing fellow Polk countian Dockery, he s supporting Sen. Mike Haridopolos of Indialantic.”  “Alexander Out Of Senate Prez Race, But Won t Back Dockery Accusations Fly“.

Pre-K

“Providers have to meet standards or risk losing state funds.”  “Pre-K schools must make grade“.

‘Ya Think?

“Cuban-Americans “are going to have a lot to say” about who wins the 2008 presidential election, Republican Rudy Giuliani said Thursday during a campaign stop in this heavily populated Cuban-American city.”  “Giuliani says Cubans key in 2008 presidential election“.

An Anderson Thing

“Several county commissioners slammed Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson on Thursday, saying he has damaged his credibility by slashing cost estimates for switching to paper ballots a day after presenting much higher figures to them.  Anderson now says it will cost the county $3.7 million to switch from touch-screen machines to an optical scan system. On Tuesday, he’d put the figure at $5.9 million — a number that outraged county commissioners deemed so high that they threatened to defy state law and refuse to make the changes.”  “Palm Beach County elections chief blasted for overestimating ballot costs“.

Paey

“Richard Paey wants out of prison. He’s serving 25 years for illegally obtaining the medication he said he needs for chronic pain. He turned down a lighter sentence because he doesn’t think he did anything wrong.  His plight, his stand on principle, has earned him sympathy from across the nation.  But not much help. Not until recently.”  “Clemency hopes pinned on Crist“.

Background:

- “Daniel Ruth “While Gov. Jeb Bush will be vacating his public housing in just a few days, Richard Paey will still remain a ‘guest’ of the state for the next 23 years, a victim of an egregious miscarriage of justice that would embarrass even the most inept banana republic.  Of course, that could change. Leadership might be afoot!”  “Mercy Plea Travels A Painful Road”.  (”‘Egregious Miscarriage of Justice’“)

-  The St Pete Times editorial board put it this way: “When the governor’s daughter, Noelle Bush, was found guilty of prescription tampering, she received a referral to a drug treatment program. That kind of proportionate sentencing and balance between a defendant’s guilt and punishment also should apply here.”  “A drug sentence without justice“.

“This case is an embarrassment to Florida.  See this CBS story “CBS News - Zero-Tolerance Causes A Lot Of Pain” as well as the 60 minute transcript: “Prisoner Of Pain, How One Man’s Quest For Pain Relief Landed Him in Jail“.  “From the Values Crowd“

Peachy

“Gov. Crist says Florida property insurance climate is more competitive.“.

“Smash-Mouth Partisan Politics”

“Less than an hour after Crist appeared alongside Democratic Rep. Curtis Richardson at the signing of the special-session bills to cut taxes, and Crist publicly thanked Democrats for pulling together with Republicans last week to provide tax relief for voters, the carping press releases from the parties legislative leaders began flying.”  Some excerpts include the mighty House Majority Leader Adam Hasner uttering these words of wisdom:

“It was amazing to see Democrats standing side by side with Governor Charlie Crist today as the Governor signed into law two Republican-sponsored pieces of legislation which will lead to this state s largest tax cut. It was amazing because these same Democrats fought Republicans every step of the way as we delivered property tax relief for Floridians … While Democrats threatened Florida voters with scare-tactics and sided with local governments to oppose property tax relief, Republicans once again led the way to provide historic tax relief to Florida s property owners. Despite claims to the contrary, Democrats did everything in their power to derail property tax reform, reduce the amount of tax savings for Floridians, and prohibit Floridians from voting for historic property tax reforms.

House Minority Leader Dan Gelber - after noting that the  Dems had problems with the amendment portion of tax “reform” because it did not protect school funding for a system “that currently ranks 49th in per capita education spending” - responded to Hasner follows:

Adam, you really do a disserv[ice] to your party and to Floridians with your constant political sniping.  Instead of advancing an agenda of a party, let us work together to advance the people s agenda. I urge you to put an end to your smash-mouth partisan politics and take the Governor s cue and seek a higher ground where the interests of Floridians is more important than the interest of a political party or the ambitions of any individual. I hope you agree that this is the way to build a better and a stronger Florida.

This is the path to the high road. You are always welcome to join me here.

Warm Regards,

Dan

“Press Release Wars with ‘Warm Regards’“.  Some GOPers (read virtually all House GOPers) really miss the “Jeb!” - days of extreme partisanship; they really need to get over it.

New Poll

“Just six months after brother Jeb stepped down as a popular Florida governor, Bush draws positive approval ratings from only 31 percent of state voters, with 62 percent disapproving his performance and 7 percent undecided, according to a new Strategic Vision poll of roughly 700 Floridians.”

Among possible White House successors, Florida Republicans lean toward Rudy Giuliani (30 percent), former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson (24 percent), Arizona Sen. John McCain (11 percent), and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (8 percent) landed in the first tier.

Democrats give New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton the clear lead, with 37 percent favoring. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is the favorite of 21 percent, with former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards at 20 percent.

“W. Scraping Barnacles in Florida Popularity“.

Today’s Florida political news and punditry.

Mel Gets Confused

It is no secret that Mel ain’t the sharpest knife in the drawer.  “A flip-flop by Sen. Mel Martinez in his vote last week to relax a quarter-century-old ban on new offshore drilling has left some environmentalists puzzled.”

Martinez initially voted for the amendment to the Senate energy bill by fellow GOP Sen. John Warner of Virginia to allow natural gas exploration 50 miles off the Virginia coast. Then he switched his vote. …

Allowing one state’s governor and legislature to ignore the longstanding federal bans on drilling in the outer continental shelf would have set precedent to allow all coastal states to do so, critics of Warner’s amendment say.

“Our folks saw passage of this as leading to a domino effect,” said Karen Murphy, an expert on offshore drilling with the Sierra Club.

Martinez’s initial support of Warner’s amendment reflected his belief that states should have “the right to choose their destiny with respect to resource development as long as it doesn’t impact Florida,” explained the senator’s spokesman, Ken Lundberg,

That argument in essence is the same states-rights claim that has been raised by the oil industry in recent years. …

Murphy, the Sierra Club expert on offshore drilling, watched the vote and recalls that when Martinez initially voted for the drilling, she wondered, “What is he doing?”

“Senator Flips Drilling Vote“.

Dems in “Limbo”

“Whether Florida’s Democratic votes in the Jan. 29 primary will count remained in limbo Thursday after a closed-door meeting in Washington between members of Congress and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.”  “Status of primary votes undecided“.  See also “Democratic Reps Meet With Dean On Primary, Keep Lips Zipped“, “Florida Dems hope to save primary, delegates from DNC chopping block” and “Dems, Dean Discuss Primary” (”Florida Democratic Congress members met with DNC Chairman Howard Dean about the dilemma over the state’s presidential primary - but if they made any progress, no one was saying.”)

Life’s A Beach

Good Time

Charlie Crist signed into law the first piece of the largest tax cut in Florida history Thursday with a trip around the state that brought him to the homes of three recent home buyers — the one group that will reap the most savings if voters support phase two of the tax-cut plan.

‘’This is the people’s tax cut,'’ Crist said, predicting that all homeowners will see ‘’an immediate and substantial decrease'’ in their taxes and a deeper savings if voters approve a constitutional amendment to create a super-sized homestead exemption in January.

At the home of Michael Mathura and Sarojini Mohan in the Southwest Miami-Dade County subdivision of Valencia Acres, the governor was flanked by Republican House Speaker Marco Rubio and House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber and noted the bipartisan support for phase one of the tax-cut plan.

“Crist signs 1st phase of tax cut plan“.  See also “Crist signs first part of historic property tax-cut legislation“, “Property-tax cut becomes law“, “Crist trumpets state’s ‘largest tax cut’ while plugging vote for more savings“, “Florida governor signs property-tax relief bill“, “Crist signs Part 1 of tax-reform bill, OKs vote date” and “Crist signs tax bill; questions start flying“.

What’s all the fuss about?  After all, it is unclear as to

how much of those savings will ultimately wind up in the pockets of taxpayers remains unclear.

The piece of the two-part plan that’s effective immediately — valued at $15.6 billion over five years — includes provisions that allow cities and counties to sidestep both the immediate spending cuts ordered in the bill and a cap on future property-tax collections. Critics predict many local governments may accept the first-year cuts but vote to ignore future caps.

They say your city or county also may start demanding higher fees for programs such as parks, sports leagues and, where allowed, fire services, to make up lost revenue.

And the package’s second part — a January ballot measure creating a super-sized homestead exemption that could generate at least $8 billion in savings — is considered a long shot. Not only does it need 60 percent voter approval, but also local governments and unions are certain to offer fierce opposition. So far, no groups are lining up to campaign for the measure.

“Tax cut now law, but will it deliver?“.

And then there are the legal issues, particularly with respect to the first “part” pf the plan: “Download a legal analysis of the bill’s constitutionality (PDF)” (via The St Pete Times).

Another Fine Jebacy

The Tampa Trib editorial board: “The latest report comparing high school graduation rates from around the country shows Florida still near the bottom - and there’s probably more bad news on the way.”

Education Week reports Florida’s 2004 graduation rate at a dismal 60.5 percent. It’s even worse for Hispanic students at 59 percent and black students at 46.7 percent.

The national high school graduation rate is 69.9 percent. Florida’s ranking puts it at 45th of the 50 states - a disgrace for the fourth largest state. …

Florida has been hiding its true high school failures for years by counting students who earn GEDs the same as those who finish four years of school and pass the FCAT. Education Week’s analysis of Florida’s graduation rate puts it more than 10 points below what the state reported for that year because it didn’t count students who earned GEDs.

Most employers don’t consider a GED the same as a high school diploma, and neither should the state.

“A Summer Of Discontent For High Schools“.

Here’s an idea: amend the Florida constitution to permit massive property tax cuts and at the same time reduce education funding in a state that is at the bottom of the barrel in per capita spending.

Here’s another idea: the MSM should give credit for the current state of affairs to the fellow who “proclaimed himself the ‘education governor’“, and whose eight (8) years of so-called “reforms” created what even the Trib editors recognize to be  a “disgrace.”

Don’t count on the latter happening anytime soon. 

There are too many editorial boards sunning themselves in the reflected glory of Jebbie’s brilliant education “reforms”; for instance, The Orlando Sentinel editorial board today: “Has [acting state Education Commissioner Jeanine] Blomberg, who has spent 30 years in the Department of Education, not noticed what has happened in the past five years? Florida students — both minorities and non-minorities — are achieving more than ever.”  “Earth to Jeanine Blomberg“.  It is difficult to accept claims of “achievement” at face value when, as reported yesterday, “Florida school administrators now question the validity of all previous years’ FCAT scores and wonder whether other mistakes were never reported, according to a new poll.  45 percent said they were somewhat suspicious of previous scores under Gov. Jeb Bush. Another 44 percent said they questioned the scores ‘a lot.’” “Florida school administrators question FCAT scores’ validity“.

Earth to The Orlando Sentinel editorial board.

Out Here In The Fields

“Karla Rodriguez Chavez, a Mexican national, is among dozens of farmworkers in the tomato fields of Bristol - and one of thousands of workers nationwide - who hope a bill in Congress will allow them to stay in the U.S. permanently.  As the mother of two packed her truck Wednesday with buckets of tomatoes the field hands carried over to her, tossing out the ones too bruised to make the cut, she gave an impassioned plea for reform.”  “Local farmworkers plead for reform“.

“Crist right on energy, way off on growth”

“Crist took a stand Wednesday when he vetoed a sweeping energy bill, saying it didn’t go far enough in building a statewide framework for conservation. …  But Crist’s actions on two other bills suggest the governor isn’t taking conservation as seriously as he should. … The bills Crist signed into law Tuesday are likely to make the state’s growth-management problems worse. One strips crucial provisions from a 2005 law intended to control growth by ensuring that needed infrastructure — such as water-treatment capacity and schools — is in place before development is allowed. … The other measure Crist approved will allow the construction of privately financed toll roads, potentially opening thousands of acres of wilderness to sprawl, and putting even more cars on Florida roads.”  “Mixed messages.  See also “Energizing” (”Floridians like the talk, Governor. But what’s the plan?”)

“Tax Cuts Will Hurt”

“Miami-Dade County can’t achieve the state-mandated budget cuts next year simply by ‘cutting the fat’ — and the county fire district will take a substantial hit, a memo penned by County Manager George Burgess said Thursday.”  “Dade manager says tax cuts will hurt“.  See also “PB County weighs the good, bad and ugly of tax cuts” and “Predicted tax shortfall may close some early-voting sites“.

The Wisdom of Tom Feeney

Feeney is foaming at the mouth again:

Despite the fact that three votes to limit debate on the disastrous Kennedy amnesty proposal in the Senate have failed, like a bad penny, it has turned up again.

“Feeney: Wake up, Senate: No immigration-amnesty sellout“.

Feeney’s diatribe fails to mention either Dubya or RNC Chair Martinez, but manages to identify one individual three (3) times in the short piece:

- “the disastrous Kennedy amnesty proposal”.

- “The Kennedy proposal”.

- “Sen. Edward Kennedy’s amnesty proposal”.

Rumor has it that Feeney’s first draft included references to the Bay of Pigs and Chappaquiddick.

Raw Political Courage

“Crist to Sign Bill to Help Kids of POWs/MIAs“.  See also “Crist honors veterans“.

“Instant Bingo”

“There’s a lot more to instant bingo than helping aging military veterans fill empty halls.”  “Instant-bingo bill awaiting Crist’s OK“.

In Praise of Charlie

Mark Lane:

Two, three weeks easily have gone by since I’ve last written a column praising Gov. Charlie Crist.

One needs to watch this sort of thing lest it become habitual.

I’m so wary, that I’m reaching into my desk drawer and taking out the jar of asterisks I reserve for three-dot columns. Editors only allow me so many. You have no idea how much they cost.

“Open records and 3-dots“.  More: “Government” (”Crist is on a roll, at least when it comes to open government.”)

This Should Be Fun

“Lawmakers propose bill to ease trade, travel restrictions on Cuba“.  Meanwhile, “Giuliani flails Castro in S. Florida“.

Polk County P****** Match

“Tribune Polk County reporter Billy Townsend is checking into questions about strife between Polk County Republican state Sens. J.D. Alexander and Paula Dockery over the race for the post of Senate president in 2010.  The upshot: Alexander is backing out of the race, but instead of backing fellow Polk countian Dockery, he s supporting Sen. Mike Haridopolos of Indialantic.”  “Alexander Out Of Senate Prez Race, But Won t Back Dockery Accusations Fly“.

Pre-K

“Providers have to meet standards or risk losing state funds.”  “Pre-K schools must make grade“.

‘Ya Think?

“Cuban-Americans “are going to have a lot to say” about who wins the 2008 presidential election, Republican Rudy Giuliani said Thursday during a campaign stop in this heavily populated Cuban-American city.”  “Giuliani says Cubans key in 2008 presidential election“.

An Anderson Thing

“Several county commissioners slammed Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson on Thursday, saying he has damaged his credibility by slashing cost estimates for switching to paper ballots a day after presenting much higher figures to them.  Anderson now says it will cost the county $3.7 million to switch from touch-screen machines to an optical scan system. On Tuesday, he’d put the figure at $5.9 million — a number that outraged county commissioners deemed so high that they threatened to defy state law and refuse to make the changes.”  “Palm Beach County elections chief blasted for overestimating ballot costs“.

Paey

“Richard Paey wants out of prison. He’s serving 25 years for illegally obtaining the medication he said he needs for chronic pain. He turned down a lighter sentence because he doesn’t think he did anything wrong.  His plight, his stand on principle, has earned him sympathy from across the nation.  But not much help. Not until recently.”  “Clemency hopes pinned on Crist“.

Background:

- “Daniel Ruth “While Gov. Jeb Bush will be vacating his public housing in just a few days, Richard Paey will still remain a ‘guest’ of the state for the next 23 years, a victim of an egregious miscarriage of justice that would embarrass even the most inept banana republic.  Of course, that could change. Leadership might be afoot!”  “Mercy Plea Travels A Painful Road”.  (”‘Egregious Miscarriage of Justice’“)

-  The St Pete Times editorial board put it this way: “When the governor’s daughter, Noelle Bush, was found guilty of prescription tampering, she received a referral to a drug treatment program. That kind of proportionate sentencing and balance between a defendant’s guilt and punishment also should apply here.”  “A drug sentence without justice“.

“This case is an embarrassment to Florida.  See this CBS story “CBS News - Zero-Tolerance Causes A Lot Of Pain” as well as the 60 minute transcript: “Prisoner Of Pain, How One Man’s Quest For Pain Relief Landed Him in Jail“.  “From the Values Crowd“

Peachy

“Gov. Crist says Florida property insurance climate is more competitive.“.

“Smash-Mouth Partisan Politics”

“Less than an hour after Crist appeared alongside Democratic Rep. Curtis Richardson at the signing of the special-session bills to cut taxes, and Crist publicly thanked Democrats for pulling together with Republicans last week to provide tax relief for voters, the carping press releases from the parties legislative leaders began flying.”  Some excerpts include the mighty House Majority Leader Adam Hasner uttering these words of wisdom:

“It was amazing to see Democrats standing side by side with Governor Charlie Crist today as the Governor signed into law two Republican-sponsored pieces of legislation which will lead to this state s largest tax cut. It was amazing because these same Democrats fought Republicans every step of the way as we delivered property tax relief for Floridians … While Democrats threatened Florida voters with scare-tactics and sided with local governments to oppose property tax relief, Republicans once again led the way to provide historic tax relief to Florida s property owners. Despite claims to the contrary, Democrats did everything in their power to derail property tax reform, reduce the amount of tax savings for Floridians, and prohibit Floridians from voting for historic property tax reforms.

House Minority Leader Dan Gelber - after noting that the  Dems had problems with the amendment portion of tax “reform” because it did not protect school funding for a system “that currently ranks 49th in per capita education spending” - responded to Hasner follows:

Adam, you really do a disserv[ice] to your party and to Floridians with your constant political sniping.  Instead of advancing an agenda of a party, let us work together to advance the people s agenda. I urge you to put an end to your smash-mouth partisan politics and take the Governor s cue and seek a higher ground where the interests of Floridians is more important than the interest of a political party or the ambitions of any individual. I hope you agree that this is the way to build a better and a stronger Florida.

This is the path to the high road. You are always welcome to join me here.

Warm Regards,

Dan

“Press Release Wars with ‘Warm Regards’“.  Some GOPers (read virtually all House GOPers) really miss the “Jeb!” - days of extreme partisanship; they really need to get over it.

New Poll

“Just six months after brother Jeb stepped down as a popular Florida governor, Bush draws positive approval ratings from only 31 percent of state voters, with 62 percent disapproving his performance and 7 percent undecided, according to a new Strategic Vision poll of roughly 700 Floridians.”

Among possible White House successors, Florida Republicans lean toward Rudy Giuliani (30 percent), former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson (24 percent), Arizona Sen. John McCain (11 percent), and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (8 percent) landed in the first tier.

Democrats give New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton the clear lead, with 37 percent favoring. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is the favorite of 21 percent, with former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards at 20 percent.

“W. Scraping Barnacles in Florida Popularity“.

May we recommend Glenn Greenwald’s “Fringe liberal bloggers“.  A reminder that the Orlando Sentinel editorial board has a blog, “OrlandoSentinel.com - The Position Page“.  Finally, check out the Florida Progressive Coalition’s “5 to Read“.  On to our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry.

“A Sober Reminder” 

Kudos to The Tallahassee Democrat for this editorial today:

The tragic deaths Monday night of nine firefighters in Charleston, S.C., are a sober reminder that the price tag on public safety is sometimes much higher than any number reflected within a local-government budget.

Firefighters and law officers are the first line of defense against threats to citizens’ well-being. That’s why they receive what is essentially combat pay - higher average salaries than many fellow public employees receive in return for performing riskier jobs.

“Tighten up“.

This is to be contrasted with the firefighter bashing in the MSM in recents days.  As we observed a couple of days ago, the MSM - including “liberal” papers like The St Pete Times - has, in large part, been up to its usual parroting of League of Cities/Chamber of Commerce propaganda when it comes to firefighter benefits:

“9 firefighters die as blaze engulfs South Carolina warehouse“.  With this (yet another) reminder of the risks firefighters take every single day, it is sadly ironic that in the last week alone we have seen garbage like this in the Florida MSM:

- “The most generous pensions are going to first-responders, mostly paramedics, police and firefighters.”  “Lavish Pensions Decreed By State Add Galling Irony To Tax Breaks“.

- “Whether local governments can afford these lucrative retirement plans for deputies and police and firefighters at a time when private companies are shedding pension plans is a reasonable public policy question.”  “High cost of pensions straps cities“.  (Note: is one to suppose that the St Pete Times editorial board thinks public employers should also be “shedding pension plans” for firefighters?)

- “Wondering where all those skyrocketing property taxes have gone?  One major drain: the tony retirement pensions of the state’s police and firefighters.”  “Pensions take toll on tax coffers“.

“Sad Irony“.  Credit The Tallahassee Democrat for declining to join the echo chamber.

Pending Veto?

“Amid heavy lobbying on both sides, Gov. Charlie Crist now says he has concerns about a business-backed bill that would impose new limits on people who solicit voter signatures for ballot initiatives.”

“I’m reviewing it right now,” Crist said Wednesday. “I read some more about it last night, and I have concerns.”

Asked to elaborate, he said, “I really don’t want to now, but I will once I make a decision.”

The bill has drawn fierce opposition from grass roots political groups because of a provision that would require signed petitions to be submitted to election supervisors within 30 days.

“Crist may veto bill making amendments more difficult“.

Early Primary

“Leading Florida Democrats will appeal to national party chairman Howard Dean today to respect the state’s new January primary date and drop threats of sanctions because it skirts party rules.”  “State Democrats to plead for primary“.

Where’s The Outrage?

There was a time that selling off the state’s infrastructure would have raised serious concerns: “The new law also allows Florida to lease some existing toll roads - such as Alligator Alley and the Pinellas Bayway - to private companies for up to 50 years.”  “Crist signs toll bill“.  See also “Crist signs measure regulating toll roads” and “Private toll roads get a green light“.

And then there’s this: “That bill, in part, will ease some restrictions lawmakers placed on development in a massive 2005 growth-management law. Those restrictions largely were designed to make sure infrastructure, such as roads, is in place to handle new growth.”  “Governor signs bills easing development limits“.

Tsk, Tsk

“Randy Neilsen, a veteran campaign consultant who has riled opposing candidates across the state with his blunt tactics, has come under fire by the Florida Elections Commission.”

Neilsen, who has gotten paid $81,000 so far this year by the Republican Party of Florida, stands accused of four counts of breaking election laws, all of them stemming from a contentious Vero Beach city election in 2005.

But it’s not just Neilsen who has been hit with charges. The commission at its meeting in late May also found probable cause that Neilsen’s company, Public Concepts, has broken election laws, as well as Richard Johnston, a managing partner of the company, and the electioneering communication organization Residents for Truth, which took out negative ads against two candidates for city council, including an incumbent.

“GOP campaign consultant in trouble“.

Edwards

There goes the right-wing Venezuelan vote:

Presidential candidate John Edwards hoped actor Danny Glover would be his Lethal Weapon.

But a Miami-based group of Venezuelan-American activists chided the Democratic candidate Wednesday for campaigning with Glover, who has embraced repressive Venezuelan President Hugo Ch vez. ‘’We are saddened by the fact that you have proudly showed yourself, in the same manner Mr. Ch vez showed himself next to Mr. Glover, as if both of you were holding a trophy,'’ read the letter sent to Edwards. “We believe this to be a political miscalculation on your part, as it sends contradicting messages to those who, like us, have chosen and sworn to uphold the democratic and moral values of our new homeland.'’

The Venezuelan government has agreed to provide $18 million in financing for Glover’s upcoming movie about Toussaint Louverture, leader of an 18th-century slave rebellion in Haiti. Ch vez critics fear the venture will burnish his international reputation.

“Miami group blasts John Edwards for working with Danny Glover“.

Chain Gang Charlie

“Crist signed into law Wednesday a handful of anti-crime bills, while also asking the Florida Supreme Court to convene a statewide grand jury to investigate a recent rise in gang-related violence.”  “Blog: Gov. Crist signs handful of anti-crime bills into law“.  See also “Governor signs several crime bills“, “Florida increases criminal penalties” and “Crist Signs New Crime Bills“.  More: “Statewide grand jury will focus on organized crime“.

Less “Corruption and Mismanagement”

“The U.S. government’s anti-Castro radio and TV stations have improved significantly in recent years after allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to a draft State Department review of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.”  “Review shows U.S. broadcasts reach Cubans but few numbers cited“.

Choices

“Save Our Homes vs. supersized exemptions. Personal savings vs. money for schools. South Florida homeowners may have a choice to make.”  “South Florida homeowners face tax-cut choice“.

‘Ya Think?

“Growth management must play a stronger role in Everglades restoration, especially in the rapidly growing counties north of Lake Okeechobee, state officials said Wednesday.”  “Suburban sprawl threatens Lake O“.

“Transformation to a New Economy” … Oh Pleeez …

“Florida is launching a new effort to benefit from the intellectual pursuits at its state universities and lure new venture capital funding.  The Florida Capital Formation Act, signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Crist, is designed to hasten the transformation to a new economy.”  “Florida invests $35 million to link universities with venture capital“.

McCain

“Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Tuesday that Florida’s decision to move up its 2008 primary to Jan. 29 is part of a ‘bizarre’ national trend that gives voters little time to pick the best candidate for their party.”  “McCain criticizes earlier primary“.  See also “Presidential candidate John McCain in Palm Beach: Keep pressure on Cuba” and “McCain: Free trade, democracy key to stability in Latin America“.

Problem Solved

“Florida’s prisons have been rid of organized corruption by officials trying to game the system, Corrections Secretary James McDonough said Tuesday.”  “Prison corruption gone, chief says“.

Our Green Governor

“In a surprise move, Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed an energy bill late Wednesday evening, because he said it didn’t advance clean energy policy enough.”

Crist said the 74-page bill, which the Legislature passed unanimously, added too many bureaucratic layers that would get in the way of curbing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming.

“Crist vetoes energy measure“.  See also “Crist vetoes energy bill, saysit ‘does not go far enough’” and “Crist vetoes $62 million energy bill“.

Out Here In the Fields

“On Wednesday, a group of area farmworkers left Quincy for the nation’s capital, where they’ll be speaking out in favor of immigration reform today.”  “Area farmworkers head to DC to advocate immigration reform“.

“Palm Beach County’s Latest Ballot Goof”

“Palm Beach County’s latest ballot goof appears to be to the benefit of taxpayers. Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson’s estimate Tuesday of $1.25 a page to print optical-scan ballots — which had county commissioners talking about keeping the paperless system despite a state mandate to change — was far too high, Anderson said Wednesday.”  “New ballot cost: 40 cents each“.

Charter School “Slippery Slope”

“As an educational institution, the Ben Gamla Charter School may serve an important niche.”

As a charter school that benefits from public funding, though, it raises legitimate constitutional questions that the school district should have considered from the start.

For that reason, Broward County school officials have no choice but to revoke the school’s charter. The sooner they do it, the better.

The U.S. Constitution is the basis for a myriad of state and local regulations that forbid using taxpayers dollars to pay for religious schools. While supporters of Ben Gamla may argue otherwise, it’s hard to see the new entity as nothing more than a religious school.

By allowing the school to operate, the school district will slide down a slippery and very contentious slope. Charter schools should be nonsectarian in their programs, admission policies, employment practices and operations.

“Charter Schools“.

Florida “Camelot”?

“Camelot, that is, in the person of the leading scion of the Kennedy clan, environmentalist and Democratic political activist Robert Kennedy Jr., and he s coming courtesy of a Republican governor, Charlie Crist.”

Crist has announced that Kennedy, son of the former U.S. Attorney General and assassinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, will be the keynote speaker at the Florida Summit on Global Climate Change next month in Miami.

One interesting angle of the news Kennedy is an avowed and bitter opponent of President George W. Bush.

The summit already had Kennedyesque overtones, with the involvement of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, related to the Kennedy clan by marriage.

“Camelot Comes To Florida“.  More here.

Shortchanged

The Tampa Trib editors: “Florida’s universities simply cannot do more with less.”

The proposed tuition increases that Crist vetoed were reasonable and even had the support of students. They understand it is better to pay a little bit more to get the benefit of smaller classes taught by tenure-track professors, not novice teaching assistants.

“Crist, Lawmakers Shortchange Higher Education And Families“.

Open Government

“Lawmakers’ tendency is to look for more ways to restrict open government. Gov. Charlie Crist is looking to counter the trend. Following up on his good record in defense of open government as attorney general, Crist on Tuesday appointed a nine-member Commission on Open Government to review all public-record laws and exemptions. The commission will hold at least three public hearings around the state before submitting a report and recommendations to Crist and legislative leaders by the end of 2008.”  “Forecast: sunshine“.  Isn’t Charlie super-fabulous: “Crist Wins Open Government Award“.

Laff Riot

Q reports that “in the never-ending quest to educate the rank-and-file, the Florida House Majority Office has started posting video clips of their leaders on You Tube and Google.”

Water

“Year-round water restrictions could provide a lesson in conservation, but not the answer to solving South Florida’s water woes, utility operators and environmentalists warned Wednesday.”  “Environmentalist, utilities oppose year-round water restrictions in South Florida“.

The Franking Privilege

“Rep. Vern Buchanan, frankly, opposes immigration bill“.

Nice Haul

“Arizona Sen. John McCain continued a mostly fundraising campaign swing through Florida [Wednesday], hitting a lunch at Tampa s City Club where organizers said about 200 people attended, most paying $1,000 each.”  “McCain Holds Fundraiser Downtown“.

“Like a Promise from Paris Hilton …”

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Palm Beach County commissioners have every reason to be mad at the state over the new election law. But they have no reason - and no case - for defying the law.”

In 2001, after the presidential recount debacle, the Legislature outlawed punch-card ballots. Fifteen counties, including Palm Beach and Martin, went to touch screens. The machines prevent over-voting, which was the real problem in 2000. Voters also can review their choices before their ballots are cast. Large counties, most of which bought touch screens, saved big by not having to buy paper for optical scans, which the other 52 counties used.

But voter paranoia, most of it among Democrats, and bumbling by elections supervisors led to distrust of touch screens. The state never certified printers that would have provided a paper record of touch-screen votes. Then in November, the 13th Congressional District race was tainted by 18,000 non-votes in Sarasota County, which used touch screens. Republican Vern Buchanan won by 369 votes.

The right response would have been to allow voters an “I Choose Not to Vote in This Race” option. No state politician, however, wants to risk coming in second to an option. So, the Legislature passed an 80-page elections bill that, among many other things, banned touch screens. Counties that had bought touch screens, though, wouldn’t have to worry. The state would pay for new optical scans.

As every county knows, however, a promise from the Legislature on money is like a promise from Paris Hilton on better behavior.

“Sue state for the money, but buy new machines“.

That’s Our Mel

Things are pretty bad when this is “The last, best hope on immigration“.  Surely the MSM won’t allow “Karl Rove’s Florida Frankenstein” to transform his image on the basis of a single issue?

Get Your Emergency Info Via Wingnut Radio

“The commission unanimously decided to keep WIOD [as Broward County’s official radio station for emergency information] with no discussion. Last week, Commissioner Stacy Ritter raised concerns about WIOD because of Limbaugh and other conservative programming, views shared by two other commissioners at the time.”

The all-Democrat[ic] commission was on the verge of rejecting the contract when the board instead delayed a decision to get more information about other options and to ask more questions as to why staff favored WIOD.

Ritter said she was surprised by the “onslaught of public criticism” and decried the “outrageous insults directed at me from what is clearly a well-organized campaign initiated by members of the radical right-wing media.”

She also said she never intended to try to infringe on free speech, but rather to find other radio partners that would take the same deal and appeal to such audiences as the Caribbean and Hispanic communities.

“Despite disdain for Rush Limbaugh, Broward County stays with WIOD“.

Really, isn’t it fair to ask whether wingnut radio is an appropriate vehicle for the dissemination of emergency information to the residents of a solidly blue county?

May we recommend Glenn Greenwald’s “Fringe liberal bloggers“.  A reminder that the Orlando Sentinel editorial board has a blog, “OrlandoSentinel.com - The Position Page“.  Finally, check out the Florida Progressive Coalition’s “5 to Read“.  On to our review of today’s Florida political news and punditry.

“A Sober Reminder” 

Kudos to The Tallahassee Democrat for this editorial today:

The tragic deaths Monday night of nine firefighters in Charleston, S.C., are a sober reminder that the price tag on public safety is sometimes much higher than any number reflected within a local-government budget.

Firefighters and law officers are the first line of defense against threats to citizens’ well-being. That’s why they receive what is essentially combat pay - higher average salaries than many fellow public employees receive in return for performing riskier jobs.

“Tighten up“.

This is to be contrasted with the firefighter bashing in the MSM in recents days.  As we observed a couple of days ago, the MSM - including “liberal” papers like The St Pete Times - has, in large part, been up to its usual parroting of League of Cities/Chamber of Commerce propaganda when it comes to firefighter benefits:

“9 firefighters die as blaze engulfs South Carolina warehouse“.  With this (yet another) reminder of the risks firefighters take every single day, it is sadly ironic that in the last week alone we have seen garbage like this in the Florida MSM:

- “The most generous pensions are going to first-responders, mostly paramedics, police and firefighters.”  “Lavish Pensions Decreed By State Add Galling Irony To Tax Breaks“.

- “Whether local governments can afford these lucrative retirement plans for deputies and police and firefighters at a time when private companies are shedding pension plans is a reasonable public policy question.”  “High cost of pensions straps cities“.  (Note: is one to suppose that the St Pete Times editorial board thinks public employers should also be “shedding pension plans” for firefighters?)

- “Wondering where all those skyrocketing property taxes have gone?  One major drain: the tony retirement pensions of the state’s police and firefighters.”  “Pensions take toll on tax coffers“.

“Sad Irony“.  Credit The Tallahassee Democrat for declining to join the echo chamber.

Pending Veto?

“Amid heavy lobbying on both sides, Gov. Charlie Crist now says he has concerns about a business-backed bill that would impose new limits on people who solicit voter signatures for ballot initiatives.”

“I’m reviewing it right now,” Crist said Wednesday. “I read some more about it last night, and I have concerns.”

Asked to elaborate, he said, “I really don’t want to now, but I will once I make a decision.”

The bill has drawn fierce opposition from grass roots political groups because of a provision that would require signed petitions to be submitted to election supervisors within 30 days.

“Crist may veto bill making amendments more difficult“.

Early Primary

“Leading Florida Democrats will appeal to national party chairman Howard Dean today to respect the state’s new January primary date and drop threats of sanctions because it skirts party rules.”  “State Democrats to plead for primary“.

Where’s The Outrage?

There was a time that selling off the state’s infrastructure would have raised serious concerns: “The new law also allows Florida to lease some existing toll roads - such as Alligator Alley and the Pinellas Bayway - to private companies for up to 50 years.”  “Crist signs toll bill“.  See also “Crist signs measure regulating toll roads” and “Private toll roads get a green light“.

And then there’s this: “That bill, in part, will ease some restrictions lawmakers placed on development in a massive 2005 growth-management law. Those restrictions largely were designed to make sure infrastructure, such as roads, is in place to handle new growth.”  “Governor signs bills easing development limits“.

Tsk, Tsk

“Randy Neilsen, a veteran campaign consultant who has riled opposing candidates across the state with his blunt tactics, has come under fire by the Florida Elections Commission.”

Neilsen, who has gotten paid $81,000 so far this year by the Republican Party of Florida, stands accused of four counts of breaking election laws, all of them stemming from a contentious Vero Beach city election in 2005.

But it’s not just Neilsen who has been hit with charges. The commission at its meeting in late May also found probable cause that Neilsen’s company, Public Concepts, has broken election laws, as well as Richard Johnston, a managing partner of the company, and the electioneering communication organization Residents for Truth, which took out negative ads against two candidates for city council, including an incumbent.

“GOP campaign consultant in trouble“.

Edwards

There goes the right-wing Venezuelan vote:

Presidential candidate John Edwards hoped actor Danny Glover would be his Lethal Weapon.

But a Miami-based group of Venezuelan-American activists chided the Democratic candidate Wednesday for campaigning with Glover, who has embraced repressive Venezuelan President Hugo Ch vez. ‘’We are saddened by the fact that you have proudly showed yourself, in the same manner Mr. Ch vez showed himself next to Mr. Glover, as if both of you were holding a trophy,'’ read the letter sent to Edwards. “We believe this to be a political miscalculation on your part, as it sends contradicting messages to those who, like us, have chosen and sworn to uphold the democratic and moral values of our new homeland.'’

The Venezuelan government has agreed to provide $18 million in financing for Glover’s upcoming movie about Toussaint Louverture, leader of an 18th-century slave rebellion in Haiti. Ch vez critics fear the venture will burnish his international reputation.

“Miami group blasts John Edwards for working with Danny Glover“.

Chain Gang Charlie

“Crist signed into law Wednesday a handful of anti-crime bills, while also asking the Florida Supreme Court to convene a statewide grand jury to investigate a recent rise in gang-related violence.”  “Blog: Gov. Crist signs handful of anti-crime bills into law“.  See also “Governor signs several crime bills“, “Florida increases criminal penalties” and “Crist Signs New Crime Bills“.  More: “Statewide grand jury will focus on organized crime“.

Less “Corruption and Mismanagement”

“The U.S. government’s anti-Castro radio and TV stations have improved significantly in recent years after allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to a draft State Department review of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.”  “Review shows U.S. broadcasts reach Cubans but few numbers cited“.

Choices

“Save Our Homes vs. supersized exemptions. Personal savings vs. money for schools. South Florida homeowners may have a choice to make.”  “South Florida homeowners face tax-cut choice“.

‘Ya Think?

“Growth management must play a stronger role in Everglades restoration, especially in the rapidly growing counties north of Lake Okeechobee, state officials said Wednesday.”  “Suburban sprawl threatens Lake O“.

“Transformation to a New Economy” … Oh Pleeez …

“Florida is launching a new effort to benefit from the intellectual pursuits at its state universities and lure new venture capital funding.  The Florida Capital Formation Act, signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Charlie Crist, is designed to hasten the transformation to a new economy.”  “Florida invests $35 million to link universities with venture capital“.

McCain

“Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Tuesday that Florida’s decision to move up its 2008 primary to Jan. 29 is part of a ‘bizarre’ national trend that gives voters little time to pick the best candidate for their party.”  “McCain criticizes earlier primary“.  See also “Presidential candidate John McCain in Palm Beach: Keep pressure on Cuba” and “McCain: Free trade, democracy key to stability in Latin America“.

Problem Solved

“Florida’s prisons have been rid of organized corruption by officials trying to game the system, Corrections Secretary James McDonough said Tuesday.”  “Prison corruption gone, chief says“.

Our Green Governor

“In a surprise move, Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed an energy bill late Wednesday evening, because he said it didn’t advance clean energy policy enough.”

Crist said the 74-page bill, which the Legislature passed unanimously, added too many bureaucratic layers that would get in the way of curbing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming.

“Crist vetoes energy measure“.  See also “Crist vetoes energy bill, saysit ‘does not go far enough’” and “Crist vetoes $62 million energy bill“.

Out Here In the Fields

“On Wednesday, a group of area farmworkers left Quincy for the nation’s capital, where they’ll be speaking out in favor of immigration reform today.”  “Area farmworkers head to DC to advocate immigration reform“.

“Palm Beach County’s Latest Ballot Goof”

“Palm Beach County’s latest ballot goof appears to be to the benefit of taxpayers. Elections Supervisor Arthur Anderson’s estimate Tuesday of $1.25 a page to print optical-scan ballots — which had county commissioners talking about keeping the paperless system despite a state mandate to change — was far too high, Anderson said Wednesday.”  “New ballot cost: 40 cents each“.

Charter School “Slippery Slope”

“As an educational institution, the Ben Gamla Charter School may serve an important niche.”

As a charter school that benefits from public funding, though, it raises legitimate constitutional questions that the school district should have considered from the start.

For that reason, Broward County school officials have no choice but to revoke the school’s charter. The sooner they do it, the better.

The U.S. Constitution is the basis for a myriad of state and local regulations that forbid using taxpayers dollars to pay for religious schools. While supporters of Ben Gamla may argue otherwise, it’s hard to see the new entity as nothing more than a religious school.

By allowing the school to operate, the school district will slide down a slippery and very contentious slope. Charter schools should be nonsectarian in their programs, admission policies, employment practices and operations.

“Charter Schools“.

Florida “Camelot”?

“Camelot, that is, in the person of the leading scion of the Kennedy clan, environmentalist and Democratic political activist Robert Kennedy Jr., and he s coming courtesy of a Republican governor, Charlie Crist.”

Crist has announced that Kennedy, son of the former U.S. Attorney General and assassinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, will be the keynote speaker at the Florida Summit on Global Climate Change next month in Miami.

One interesting angle of the news Kennedy is an avowed and bitter opponent of President George W. Bush.

The summit already had Kennedyesque overtones, with the involvement of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, related to the Kennedy clan by marriage.

“Camelot Comes To Florida“.  More here.

Shortchanged

The Tampa Trib editors: “Florida’s universities simply cannot do more with less.”

The proposed tuition increases that Crist vetoed were reasonable and even had the support of students. They understand it is better to pay a little bit more to get the benefit of smaller classes taught by tenure-track professors, not novice teaching assistants.

“Crist, Lawmakers Shortchange Higher Education And Families“.

Open Government

“Lawmakers’ tendency is to look for more ways to restrict open government. Gov. Charlie Crist is looking to counter the trend. Following up on his good record in defense of open government as attorney general, Crist on Tuesday appointed a nine-member Commission on Open Government to review all public-record laws and exemptions. The commission will hold at least three public hearings around the state before submitting a report and recommendations to Crist and legislative leaders by the end of 2008.”  “Forecast: sunshine“.  Isn’t Charlie super-fabulous: “Crist Wins Open Government Award“.

Laff Riot

Q reports that “in the never-ending quest to educate the rank-and-file, the Florida House Majority Office has started posting video clips of their leaders on You Tube and Google.”

Water

“Year-round water restrictions could provide a lesson in conservation, but not the answer to solving South Florida’s water woes, utility operators and environmentalists warned Wednesday.”  “Environmentalist, utilities oppose year-round water restrictions in South Florida“.

The Franking Privilege

“Rep. Vern Buchanan, frankly, opposes immigration bill“.

Nice Haul

“Arizona Sen. John McCain continued a mostly fundraising campaign swing through Florida [Wednesday], hitting a lunch at Tampa s City Club where organizers said about 200 people attended, most paying $1,000 each.”  “McCain Holds Fundraiser Downtown“.

“Like a Promise from Paris Hilton …”

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: “Palm Beach County commissioners have every reason to be mad at the state over the new election law. But they have no reason - and no case - for defying the law.”

In 2001, after the presidential recount debacle, the Legislature outlawed punch-card ballots. Fifteen counties, including Palm Beach and Martin, went to touch screens. The machines prevent over-voting, which was the real problem in 2000. Voters also can review their choices before their ballots are cast. Large counties, most of which bought touch screens, saved big by not having to buy paper for optical scans, which the other 52 counties used.

But voter paranoia, most of it among Democrats, and bumbling by elections supervisors led to distrust of touch screens. The state never certified printers that would have provided a paper record of touch-screen votes. Then in November, the 13th Congressional District race was tainted by 18,000 non-votes in Sarasota County, which used touch screens. Republican Vern Buchanan won by 369 votes.

The right response would have been to allow voters an “I Choose Not to Vote in This Race” option. No state politician, however, wants to risk coming in second to an option. So, the Legislature passed an 80-page elections bill that, among many other things, banned touch screens. Counties that had bought touch screens, though, wouldn’t have to worry. The state would pay for new optical scans.

As every county knows, however, a promise from the Legislature on money is like a promise from Paris Hilton on better behavior.

“Sue state for the money, but buy new machines“.

That’s Our Mel

Things are pretty bad when this is “The last, best hope on immigration“.  Surely the MSM won’t allow “Karl Rove’s Florida Frankenstein” to transform his image on the basis of a single issue?

Get Your Emergency Info Via Wingnut Radio

“The commission unanimously decided to keep WIOD [as Broward County’s official radio station for emergency information] with no discussion. Last week, Commissioner Stacy Ritter raised concerns about WIOD because of Limbaugh and other conservative programming, views shared by two other commissioners at the time.”

The all-Democrat[ic] commission was on the verge of rejecting the contract when the board instead delayed a decision to get more information about other options and to ask more questions as to why staff favored WIOD.

Ritter said she was surprised by the “onslaught of public criticism” and decried the “outrageous insults directed at me from what is clearly a well-organized campaign initiated by members of the radical right-wing media.”

She also said she never intended to try to infringe on free speech, but rather to find other radio partners that would take the same deal and appeal to such audiences as the Caribbean and Hispanic communities.

“Despite disdain for Rush Limbaugh, Broward County stays with WIOD“.

Really, isn’t it fair to ask whether wingnut radio is an appropriate vehicle for the dissemination of emergency information to the residents of a solidly blue county?

It’s finally happened: there’s a two-state solution in Palestine. The only problem is that the two states are both Palestinian, run by terrorist Hamas in Gaza and corrupt Fatah in the West Bank. Actually, that’s not the only problem; both groups are violent, welfare-dependent, and dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Find out who’s to blame and what the future holds in this week’s podcast.