Jim Rosica
Gov. Ron DeSantis is willing to let bygones be bygones.
DeSantis, speaking with reporters after his remarks at The Associated Press’ pre-Legislative Session briefing in the Capitol, said he bears no grudge against Democratic candidate for Governor Andrew Gillum.
The Florida Commission on Ethics last week found probable cause that Gillum, now a CNN political commentator, violated ethics laws when he accepted certain gifts from lobbyists and vendors while he was Tallahassee’s Mayor.
“If you’re doing that, you’re going to run afoul,” DeSantis said. “There’s going to be a problem. But I’m not rooting for him to fail.
“Look, the process will work, but I mean, I don’t have any ill will. I think he’s a talented guy. I’ve moved on.”
This was DeSantis’ first appearance at the yearly AP event.
He used his time to tout his accomplishments in his first weeks in office, mentioning the diversity of some of his appointments, such as Juvenile Justice Secretary Simone Marstiller and Enterprise Florida CEO Jamal Sowell.
DeSantis brought up his and the Florida Cabinet’s decision earlier this week to put Airbnb on the state’s “scrutinized” company list and his support of the people of Venezuela against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
“The sad thing is, I think Airbnb has done a lot of good stuff, they’re an innovative company,” he said.
He mentioned his focus on “accountability for wrongs in the past,” such as the recent pardons of the Groveland 4, and his suspension of Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, whose office was criticized for its response to last year’s mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Looking ahead toward Session, he added that he will continue to press for school safety and job training funding.
And he’s not done on the accountability front, adding that seven of the nine board members of the South Florida Water Management District have agreed to step down. He has been critical of the agency’s response to algal blooms plaguing the state’s coasts and waterways.
Hoping that the rest “see the light,” DeSantis said that if they don’t, “they are going to feel the heat.”
AP Day at the Capitol is hosted by The Associated Press. Several state leaders are slated to speak to media from across the state throughout the day. Check back for continued coverage.
