Governor Charlie Crist has called a special session set to begin tomorrow to give voters a say on whether we should allow our beaches and tourism-based economy to be jeopardized by near-shore drilling. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership has been playing political games instead of focusing on solutions.
Rather than debate the merits of a ban on drilling just a few miles off our beaches, Republican House leaders have hinted that they might gavel the session to order and then almost immediately close the session without addressing the issue. That’s just wrong. Even if some legislators oppose a ban, they should at least give the matter a full hearing. Legislators aren’t being asked to ban near-shore drilling, only to allow Florida voters to make their own decision in November. If legislators put the measure on the ballot, it would require the support of 60 percent of Florida voters to take effect.
By refusing to even allow Floridians the opportunity to vote on this critical issue, the leaders of the House are saying they don’t trust the voters or think that it is appropriate for us to have input into the decision. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, that’s just wrong. Republican legislators say the amendment isn’t needed because Florida law already prohibits drilling within state waters. But in each of the past two sessions, Republican leaders tried to change that law. That’s why Floridians deserve a say and why the state constitution is the proper place for such a ban. Unlike legislators, most Floridians don’t get campaign checks from the oil industry. In fact, they provide those campaign dollars every time they go to the pump.
Even as oil continues to wash up on Florida’s pristine beaches, my opponent, who voted twice to open up drilling just three miles from Florida’s shores, told the St. Pete Times that if the Legislature does consider the amendment, he will vote no. That’s not a huge surprise given the fact that he has received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Big Oil.
If I am elected this November, I will always fight to protect our beaches, our fishing industry and our tourism-based economy.
While Republican opposition to protecting our beaches is indefensible, what’s even more troubling is their insistence that average Floridians don’t deserve a say in how our government is run.
In addition to fighting the ban on drilling, Republican leaders also have spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to fight against the Fair District amendments (5&6), which would end the process of Gerrymandering districts, a process that ensures incumbents never face serious electoral challenges. By drawing their own districts, legislators essentially get to choose their voters instead of voters being allowed to choose their representatives.
On issue after issue, the current crop of Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature – including my opponent Chris Dorworth – has said no to allowing Floridians a meaningful voice in our own government. Tonight, I am leaving for Tallahassee to insist that legislators stop denying Floridians the right to participate in how our lives are run. I will report back soon.
Steve
