A.G. Gancarski
In Jacksonville Thursday morning, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Mayor Lenny Curry took questions from the media after a job-creation event at Kaman Industries.
Questions were asked regarding the Governor’s commitment to STEM Programs, Curry’s position on HRO expansion, and whether Curry or Scott were ready to endorse for president.
Most observers assume that Scott may back Donald Trump (based on a USA Today op-ed), with Curry leaning toward Marco Rubio.
However, neither were ready to commit Thursday.
Curry said, “I expect to engage at the appropriate time,” though he didn’t say when that might be.
Scott, meanwhile, said a candidate devoted to “job creation,” specifically to 12 million jobs in the next four years, is his priority. He will decide “when that candidate shows up.”
Curry also stonewalled the HRO question.
Referring to last week’s memo, Curry said, “I was very clear on my position” and that he expanded protections for city employees.
Turning to crime, Curry borrowed a phrase from Alvin Brown, saying that he was “focused like a laser” on helping “at-risk youth,” saying “jobs are always part of the equation.
Scott’s comments on STEM programs, likewise, were general, addressing a continued focus on the best educational system possible.
At the end of the press gaggle, Scott addressed his preparations for the Zika virus, saying that he had already declared a public health emergency in four counties, noting that there were nine cases, contracted out of state.
He “asked the Surgeon General to be engaged,” saying, “My goal is to make sure the state stays safe,” and to that end the strategy is to “prepare for the worst” and “hope for the best.”
