Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorAugust 13, 2014

Sometimes our memories are shorter than they ought to be. No kidding, you say? Seriously, every year, we’re told to “get a plan,” harden our homes, and stock up on hurricane supplies. And, for eight years and counting we have been missed by major hurricanes. Little by little, Floridians begin to forget that it could […]

Guest AuthorAugust 7, 2014

Most everyone who believes in compassion supports the idea of medicinal marijuana for debilitating conditions, which is envisioned in Constitutional Amendment 2 and will be before voters on November 4. What most voters do not yet understand is how flawed the wording is for Amendment 2. The author of this amendment specifically wrote it so […]

Peter SchorschJuly 31, 2014

Writers like Carl Hiaasen have made careers pointing to the corruption and absurdity of Florida’s brand of government. But, despite our frequent failings, there have been a few bright shining moments when Floridians could point with pride to the innovations of their public officials. On rare occasion, there has been a positive confluence of visionary […]

Guest AuthorJuly 3, 2014

Because of a credit rating downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service, Jacksonville will soon be paying higher interest rates on its debts. This may well divert millions of tax dollars from serving the city’s residents to enhancing the bottom line of Wall Street’s lenders. The Florida Legislature’s chronic failure to make major reforms in state and […]

Martin DyckmanJune 8, 2014

Nothing so clearly shows the difference between theory and practice as the notion that Americans choose their elected representatives. In reality, it’s more often the politicians who do the choosing. Evidence in the congressional gerrymandering — excuse me — redistricting trial at Tallahassee has reaffirmed it. For the politicians to build and feather their own […]

Guest AuthorMay 22, 2014

In the process of doing what they believe is right, Microsoft unwittingly has given gifts to hackers and virus creators for years. Anyone who has used a Windows operating system for the last 20 years is used to seeing an endless series of “Security Updates” constantly being downloaded and installed, even after Microsoft has already […]

Mark FerruloMay 15, 2014

Looking for secrecy, lack of accountability, and corporate cronyism? Look no further than the Florida Legislature. The recently concluded 2014 Florida legislative session was a masterful showcase for the cornucopia of taxpayer handouts and political favors powerful corporate interests receive when they graciously open their wallets. Gov. Rick Scott and his allies that control the […]

Marc YachtMay 13, 2014

An old adage states, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” It seems the louder the outcry, the more the attention. Whether the issue is health care, education, taxes, abortion, the media focus on noise. That’s unfortunate because a lot of wise, unassuming folks get lost in the shuffle. They may have good ideas. They just […]

Guest AuthorMay 8, 2014

I was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000 and quickly participated in my first session — a special session called to determine which candidate for president would be awarded Florida’s electoral votes. There were 14 sessions during my first three years in office. Many of those sessions were special sessions needed to […]

Guest AuthorMay 6, 2014

Whoever limited the length of the Florida legislative session did so wisely. There’s no telling how much damage earnest but ideological politicians can do in 90 days. Too often we saw legislators proposing bills to suit constituents with narrow interests. Exhibit 1: The Growler bill pushed by major beer distributors but one that could have […]

Tag: Florida Legislature

Bill Newton: We shouldn’t forget the insurance lessons hurricanes taught us

Barney Bishop: Flawed Amendment 2 exempts pot industry from liability

Peter Schorsch: Florida should be a leader in regulation of medical marijuana

J. Robert McClure: Legislature’s failure to reform pensions contributes to Jacksonville’s woes

Martin Dyckman: Redistricting is too important to be left to the politicians

Gary Stein: ‘Vote No on 2’ is unwittingly helping the amendment work

Mark Ferrulo: In Florida, the best legislature money can buy

Marc Yacht: Let’s ignore the loudmouths and listen to sensible citizens

Jeff Kottkamp: Low-key legislative session was a lull before election fireworks

Andrew Skerritt: Ideological politicians run amok during legislative session