Charlie rewards his friends

"Although he vetoed most other college construction projects that sidestepped budget procedures in 2007, Gov. Charlie Crist spared Rep. Ray Sansom's last-minute proposal to build a classroom facility at an airport."

Newly released records show Crist took a hard line against community college building projects that weren't part of initial budget recommendations. Of the 14 such projects sent to Crist, he vetoed nine.

It has long been known that Crist didn't veto Sansom's $6 million request for Northwest Florida State College, but new records show the governor's office questioned the project and asked for documentation to justify funding. The school's president sent e-mail messages to Sansom, R-Destin, seeking ''advice'' on how to avoid a veto.

''Nobody expressed any concern,'' Crist said Friday, adding that Sansom's project ``looked legitimate to the way it was titled.''

But a grand jury has concluded otherwise. In April, Sansom and college president Bob Richburg were indicted on charges that they falsified the state budget to use taxpayer money to build a hangar for the jet business of a mutual friend. That man, Jay Odom, has since been indicted in the matter as well.

Can't make this stuff up

"Thousands of Florida public schools will have to ramp up efforts to reach their weakest students this fall or face sanctions -- including possibly replacing principals and teacher aides and paying teachers based on performance instead of experience." "New law forces Florida schools to improve -- or else". See also "Crist touts new school ratings law".

Charlie not good at "tests"

"The early and ardent promise from Gov. Charlie Crist to hold down property insurance rates will be tested in a bill that arrived on the governor's desk Friday."

The bill would let major property insurance companies, including State Farm, sell residential property insurance policies that would be largely free from standard state rate regulation. In essence, the companies could basically charge whatever they want.

And it would likely mean a return to huge increases from companies such as State Farm, whose rates in Florida have risen more than 520 percent since 1992.

"Skirting public hearings"

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "The health and stability of Florida's future depends on how well we handle our water needs. To make sure that supply is responsibly managed, and that decision-makers are answerable for their choices, it is critical the public be encouraged and empowered to stay engaged in the process." Ill-advised measure skirting public hearings on water permits deserves veto".

"Lose-lose"

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Give the proponents of offshore drilling credit. They are as equally persistent as their policy goals are potentially detrimental to the Sunshine State." "Oil drilling a lose-lose situation for Florida".

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "The vote by a Senate committee Tuesday to expand drilling to within just 45 miles of Florida's Gulf coast and 10 miles of the Panhandle – irresponsible though it is – should surprise no one." "Fight the rising tide".

The problem with electing judges

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "Electing judges is a uniquely American practice. No other country does it. When judicial elections combine with the slippery maze of campaign financing, questions of propriety and judicial independence can follow."

State law is silent on campaign contributions or financial interests. The Code of Judicial Conduct is somewhat clearer. It doesn't address contributions, but requires extensive personal and public finance reporting, including gifts and confidential financial information. For instance, a judge must report all financial holdings such as stocks and other investments. The report isn't public, but a litigant may request that it be checked by the court to verify that the litigant's case before the judge doesn't involve the judge's financial interests.

Judges may accept payments for services away from the court, such as speaking engagements or writing fees. "A judge should ensure, however," the code states, "that no conflicts are created by the arrangement. Judges must not appear to trade on the judicial position for personal advantage." Litigants are free to alert the court about perceived conflicts, but, in the end, recusal is the judge's decision.

With money playing a bigger role than ever in judges' elections, the judicial code and state law should go beyond judges' discretion in deciding when recusal (or disqualification) is appropriate. The law sets a specific degree of separation between judges and relatives to decide when a judge is automatically disqualified from a case. A similar standard, set by Florida's judiciary, should apply to the campaign contributions to a judge's coffers.

Due process can be too subjective, especially when the elusive personal and financial ties of campaign contributions are involved.

Never ending game

"Lawmakers may have to alter terms for a new gaming compact with the Seminoles before the tribe signs it, a tribe attorney said Friday." "Gaming deal may need alteration". See also "Tribe: Gambling deal not certain".

"Top administrators" make do with more

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Hillsborough County residents have every reason to protest the pay raises County Administrator Pat Bean gave six top administrators at a time when county employees face layoffs and furloughs." "Bean-headed pay raises".

It ain't beanbag

"Congressional candidate Karen Diebel says she's surprised by personal attacks".

Emergency

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "The Health Care District of Palm Beach County will close a $56 million budget deficit by reducing services and increasing costs of medical insurance for low-income residents." "Health-care emergency".

So much for ...

... Mel's "compelling" life story - few people seem to care: "Financial reports for U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez show the Orlando Republican received $34,000 in royalties last year for an autobiography published during the summer. Martinez, who fled Cuba as a teenager, also received $7,875 in royalties the previous year. He listed personal assets worth between $1 million and $2.4 million, mostly in stocks and other investments owned by him, his wife or jointly."

About Allen

"Rep. Allen Boyd's family farms and other investments have earned millions for the Monticello Democrat, financial disclosure forms show. Boyd listed 2008 assets worth between $3.5 million to $13 million on the document released Friday." "Rep. Boyd's family farms, investments worth millions".

15% tuition increase?

"Tuition hike, research funds has UF optimistic". See also "UF Tuition May Increase by 15 Percent in Fall".

Real estate market not that tuff for Miller

"Rep. Miller making money in real estate".

Nuthin' better to do?

"The NCAA must release copies of its response to Florida State's appeal of penalties stemming from academic violations, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said Friday." "Fla. attorney general: NCAA must release letter". See also "McCollum tells NCAA: Turn over FSU records".

With a broad ambition to transform Republican politics, he launched an aggressive agenda to cut property taxes and insurance premiums, reduce Florida's greenhouse emissions and enact a host of other reforms.

He enjoyed some early success, thanks to his effervescent personal touch, a compliant Legislature and the fading embers of the state's once white-hot economy.

But Crist's decision to skip a second term and run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 means much of that agenda won't be finished on his watch.

Since he took office, the unemployment rate has tripled, to 9.6 percent. While foreclosures around the nation slow, the 59,000 foreclosures filed in Florida in May were up 50 percent from a year earlier, according to Realty Trac.

But rather than making any dramatic moves this year, Crist and lawmakers largely did nothing.

Daniel Ruth

Daniel Ruth: "It's entirely possible that by the time we reach Election Day in November 2010, to shore up her good ol' girl bona fides, Alex Sink will be traipsing around the state in bib overalls, corn cob pipe stuck in her mouth and sounding more like a Cracker than Lawton Chiles meets Minnie Pearl in her quest to become governor."

And yet since she announced her gubernatorial plans, Republicans have tried to suggest by virtue of Sink's banking background she's responsible for the Great Depression, the Irish potato famine, the collapse of Zimbabwe's currency and the nation's current economic crisis.

That is even more disingenuous than blaming the Republican gubernatorial candidate, Attorney General Bill McCollum, for being complicit in the Guantanamo torture memos simply because he was a former judge advocate general lawyer as well as a congressman before he left office in 2001. After all, McCollum did suggest last month at a Suncoast Tiger Bay meeting that he doesn't consider waterboarding to be torture.

But the Republicans have a problem. There's a third trustee as well — McCollum in his role as attorney general. None of the trustees — all now candidates for higher office — were provided with a copy of the SBA legal action against Lehman and none of them ever asked for the paperwork. Oooops. So much for oversight. So much for transparency.

Neither McCollum nor Sink have been eager to talk about what they didn't know and when they didn't know it in their roles of being more of a rubber stamp over the SBA affairs than North Korea's Kim Jong Il's hairstylist.

With 17 months until the election for governor, perhaps the candidates will find the time between Norman Rockwellesque soliloquies on apple pie and Little League games and hanging Christmas stockings to explain the SBA embarrassment. But don't bank on it.

"Why delay?"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, led the fight that killed plans for a Central Florida commuter rail system in the last session of the Legislature. But commuter rail isn't dead, nor should it be." "On board the inevitable".

A "focal point" will be the SBA

Paul Flemming: "With every seat up for grabs in 2010, and two of its members running against each other for governor, the biweekly campaign events (officially, the Cabinet meetings) promise high entertainment value. A focal point of all the races — including Gov. Charlie Crist's run for the U.S. Senate — will be the Florida State Board of Administration. That's the state's money manager, keeping track of and investing $125 billion in assets in the state's pension fund, its Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and other pots of money." "Cabinet catches fiscal responsibility".

Striding the world's stage

"Monaco's Prince Albert to meet with North Lauderdale commissioner".

Never ending story

"The gambling legislation awaiting Gov. Charlie Crist's signature isn't likely to win the Seminole Tribe's cooperation, the tribe's attorney says." "Seminoles balk at Florida's new casino legislation".

"Regressive thinking"

The Miami Herald editorial board: " The Florida Legislature passed a 'just in case' bill that its author, Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, calls a 'passive safety net,' not a mandate. But the philosophy behind SB 1722, which becomes law July 1, is based on regressive thinking. It would allow the corrections department to ship inmates to other states in case prison overcrowding forces early releases here." "Tackle prison overcrowding from the other end".

Same-sex or opposite-sex partner benefits

The Miami Herald editorial board: "With a 5-0 vote, Miami city commissioners on Thursday brought fairness to its employee benefits policy by approving a domestic-partnership ordinance. It gives city employees with same-sex or opposite-sex partners the same rights and benefits as married couples." "Benefits expanded".

"Professional politicians"

Bill Cotterell: "It's a term that we'll hear a lot in the next 18 months, so just what is wrong with being a 'professional politician'?" "With cars and politics, it helps to turn to a pro".

Get a move on

"The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to expedite a decision in a case affecting a petition drive for a ballot proposal that would give voters a say in the development of their communities." "Fla. justices agree to expedite initiative ruling".

Hospital regulation

"The state agency that regulates hospitals will monitor Miami Children's Hospital, where two premature infants died in March after exposure to a dangerous bacteria." "Miami Children's Hospital water supply under scrutiny".

Poor Vern

"Being one of Congress’ richest members didn’t insulate Rep. Vern Buchanan from last year’s economic collapse, according to recently released financial disclosure reports." "Recession hits Buchanan in the wallet".

"Obstacles"

"Money, policies are obstacles for migrant students in Florida’s education system".

Ouch

Scott Maxwell writes that Republican legislator Steve Precourt "says he's contemplating jumping into the congressional race against Democratic incumbent Alan Grayson. Precourt said he feels obligated to run because he's not convinced conservatives have a viable candidate."

Um, but Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty has talked about running, and he's a Republican.

"Yes," Precourt responded. "Rich would be Grayson's favorite opponent."

Basically, Precourt contends that Republicans "need some fresh faces — not the same old ones.

Oil

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Give the proponents of offshore drilling credit. They are as equally persistent as their policy goals are potentially detrimental to the Sunshine State. Plus, Florida would not benefit from an amendment to a major Senate energy bill, the latest twist in misguided efforts to allow drilling as close as 10 miles from shore." "Oil drilling a lose-lose situation for Florida".

Huh?

"Mayor Pam Iorio has decided to halt proclamations of an annual day in Tampa for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an organization that says it seeks to defend the civil rights of Muslims in the United States but has been accused of terrorist links." "Tribute to Islamic agency ends".

Charlie trolling for campaign bucks

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Not long ago there would have been little doubt that Gov. Charlie Crist would veto legislation that limits public involvement in water-use decisions. After all, he has been a proponent of both open government and environmental stewardship."

But he has also been a proponent of growth management, and that didn't stop him from signing legislation last week sabotaging growth controls and making it easier for developers to build sprawling projects without concern for road costs. In all likelihood, taxpayers at large will get stuck with the tab.

Crist would gain further favor with the special interests that pushed the growth management bill if he signs legislation that minimizes public participation in water-permit decisions.

A tuff one for Chain Gang Charlie

"Crist delays decision on Florida 'Romeo-Juliet' case".

"Tops in their species"

"The Division of Forestry is taking nominations for The Florida Champion Trees List, a collection of more than 260 trees deemed tops in their species." "State aims to make short list of Florida's tall trees".

Spending scandal

"Crist is set to appoint an interim superintendent in Monroe County, where the schools chief was arrested Thursday in a spending scandal." "Keys school superintendent indicted".

Lake O

"Scientists from the South Florida Water Management District are releasing 3,000 Florida apple snails into a marsh north of Lake Okeechobee to help the endangered snail kite." "Scientists stock Lake Okeechobee with apple snails".

Another fine Jebacy

"Florida has 114 specialty license plates, but perhaps none has drawn more attention -- or controversy -- through the years than the 'Choose Life' tag affixed to more than 40,000 vehicles statewide. This week marks the 10-year anniversary of former Gov. Jeb Bush creating the plate, which is viewed by supporters as a powerful symbol to promote adoption and by detractors as a state-sanctioned knock at abortion rights." "'Choose Life' license plate celebrates 10th anniversary".

Charlie picks up MD cash on the campaign trail

"Legislation changing a health insurance billing procedure, which drew support from doctors and opposition from consumer advocates and others, became law on today with Gov. Charlie Crist's signature." "Crist signs health insurance bill". See also "Controversial PPO bill signed by Crist".

Q Poll

"Crist has a commanding lead over former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, according to a new poll." "Poll shows Crist shellacking Rubio". For poll details see "June 10, 2009 - Crist Swamps Rubio In Florida GOP Senate Bid, Quinnipiac University Poll* Finds; Democratic Contenders Largely Unknown. See also "Poll shows Crist leading over Rubio in Senate race".
- - - - - - - - - -
*"From June 2 - 7, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,245 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points. The survey includes 486 Republicans and 477 Democrats, each with a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points."

"Florida dangles wrong keys to cost-saving reform"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "With the state's prison population approaching its maximum capacity of 106,000, a law going into effect July 1 allows the Department of Corrections to export inmates to other states. That, too, was a fad in the 1990s. It passed, as states discovered that exporting inmates created more problems than it solved." "Inmates as exports".

"Irresponsible shortcuts"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "In Florida, the law forces government leaders to keep public spending in line with revenues. When tax collections fall, this can give leaders fits — see Orlando, for example — or encourage them to make irresponsible shortcuts — see Tallahassee. But it does provide taxpayers with some protection." "Pay for health reform".

Muzzled

"Crist Wednesday banned taxpayer money from being spent to campaign for or against ballot amendments, signing a bill that local leaders complained would muzzle them during campaign season." "Crist bans local government spending on referenda".

"Among worst in nation"

"Florida's HS grad rate among worst in nation".

"The nation is moving in the opposite direction"

"Do any of the 13 members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee who voted to expand drilling Tuesday realize that the nation is moving in the opposite direction and seeking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels with a cleaner energy policy?" "Again, with feeling: No new drilling". See also "Offshore-drilling measure could hurt energy bill's chances".

A Dem appointee in central Florida?!?

"Applicants for federal judgeship, U.S. Attorney announced".

SunRail fun

"Florida lawmakers this spring voted to kill Central Florida's planned commuter-rail system, but state contractors still made almost $44 million on the proposal. That's how much the state Department of Transportation spent on nearly 60 contracts tied to SunRail, according to documents released Wednesday." "Contractors got $44 million in failed SunRail deal".

"Law extending insurance"

"Hundreds of Floridians will be able to get kidney transplants without losing all their assets after Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday signed a law extending insurance eligibility to patients." "New law extends insurance eligibility".

Lorenzo

"Cynthia Lorenzo named director of workforce agency".

"Cutting budget and employees"

"Palm Beach County health district facing $56 million deficit, cutting budget and employees".

Covered their tracks?

"No charges in Orange school bribery probe".

"Bargain"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "Florida families with in-state college students are bracing for a tuition hike of 15 percent. Despite the economic downturn, this increase makes sense." "College tuition still a bargain in Florida".

Thank 'ye Tallahassee

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "The marathon public meeting Tuesday on proposed budget cuts vividly showed Hillsborough County commissioners how those cuts are going to hurt constituents and anger voters." "Commissioners see pain of budget reductions".

"You're motorin' ..."

"For years state lawmakers have been finding clever ways to shift the costs of state services to local governments, then boasting about how they have kept state taxes low." "State drives up cost of motoring".

KidCare

"After years of failing to properly finance KidCare and making it as hard as possible for parents to enroll their children in the state's subsidized health insurance program, state legislators finally did something right. They passed a bill, which Gov. Crist signed last week, that streamlines the application process for KidCare and expands the program so another 50,000 children can join. KidCare provides coverage to children whose parents work but can't afford coverage. There are nearly 800,000 uninsured children in Florida." "Late move, but smart move on KidCare".

Orange County blues

"Tourist-tax revenues will plummet 18 percent in 2009 and not fully recover for several years, Orange County budget officials said Tuesday, adding the drop will affect everything from tourism promotion to the $1.1 billion plan for downtown arts and sports venues." "Tourist-tax revenue headed for a record drop".

Another fine Jebacy

"Report: South Florida graduation rates are low". See also "Florida's HS grad rate among worst in nation".

C'mon Charlie ... enough with the chains

"People accused of murder have the presumed right to walk into a courtroom unshackled -- a right that goes back to the roots of English and American law. But in many Florida counties, including Volusia, a 13-year-old facing shoplifting charges will be brought into court with chains on her feet and hands. " "Children in chains".

"Sink with a narrow but statistically significant lead"

"The Quinnipiac University poll, released Tuesday, shows Alex Sink with a narrow but statistically significant lead, 38 percent to Bill McCollum's 34 percent, with 28 percent undecided or no answer - and a 2.8-point error margin." "Sink has slim lead in latest voter poll". More: "Florida CFO Sink slightly ahead in 2010 race".

"It's a specious argument"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "Ignoring home rule again and again, Florida's legislators have limited local governments' abilities to raise money for services, loaded unfunded mandates onto those same governments, then bragged about how they have cut costs. They might even come back with more limits when local governments attempt to recoup their losses."

The latest example is Senate Bill 2282, which prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing a fee or seeking reimbursement for costs for certain first-responder services. The bill landed on Gov. Charlie Crist's desk last Wednesday.

The Democrat's editorial board back in February endorsed the user fee approved by the Tallahassee City Commission, pointing out that it would help the fire department continue to provide critical services, that it was a fee already used in several other counties, and that it would be imposed only in certain cases and then only on the driver at fault.

The editorial on the topic also debunked the claim that such a fee is an example of double-taxation.

That argument was revived this week by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, a sponsor of the bill. He said services such as the police and fire departments are usually covered by property taxes and added, "It just didn't make any sense that you should have to pay twice for that."

It's a specious argument.

"Radically reduc[ing] no-drilling zones"

"The amendment, tacked onto a massive energy bill in Congress, would renege on a compromise won by Florida lawmakers just three years ago and radically reduce no-drilling zones in the eastern Gulf of Mexico -- from 125 miles down to 10 miles off the Panhandle and from 235 miles down to 45 miles off Tampa and coastal communities to the south." "Senate looks to shrink no-drilling zones".

"Sen. Bill Nelson said that oil and gas development in the eastern Gulf would interfere with military training in the area. And the Florida Democrat vowed to filibuster the energy legislation and block its approval if the provision is not removed." "Senate panel approves drilling off Florida".

Boyd lives!

"President Barack Obama called on lawmakers Tuesday to turn "pay-as-you-go" budget rules into law, an effort long championed by U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd." "Boyd praises Obama's support of PAYGO".

CD 24

"Winter Park City Commissioner Karen Diebel filed with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to challenge freshman Democratic Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas in Florida's 24th Congressional District." "Winter Park politico to challenge Kosmas".

"Differential" (?) tuition increases

"A Florida Board of Governors' committee supported a 'differential' tuition increase of 7 percent. That's on top of the already-approved 8 percent boost at UCF and four other schools: the universities of North Florida, West Florida, South Florida and Florida A&M. Trustees at the six other state universities will consider similar tuition increases in the next few days." "State's students can expect 'differential' tuition hike". Related: "All Florida universities seek maximum tuition hikes".

Floridians love their Charlie

"Since Crist entered office in January 2007, Florida's unemployment rate has nearly tripled. The measure of Floridians who say they are better off than they were a year ago has fallen by half. And the median sales price of an existing home has dropped $100,000." "Crist's popularity survives economic downturn".

Related: "Early survey shows Crist with big lead in GOP race". See also "Poll shows Crist leading Rubio in Senate race".

Yee haw!

"Bronson endorses McCollum for governor".

"Land acquisition"

"Nearly 1,400 acres in Santa Rosa County is now protected from further development and encroachment on Whiting Field Naval Air Station while providing recreation for off-road vehicles, hikers, canoeists and bicyclists." "Florida's Cabinet OKs $5.1M land acquisition".

No jokes about Northerners, please

"Crist on Tuesday signed into law a measure to help Florida strike more quickly against invasive plants and insects, a boon to the state's agriculture business." "Crist signs bill to help state strike quickly against invasive plants, insects".

Lame duck laffer

"Martinez said he was “very, very impressed” after meeting with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday morning, but the Florida Republican would not disclose whether he would support her ascension to the high court." "Martinez wowed by Sotomayor -- but will he vote for her?". See also "'I am very, very impressed with her'".

Sinkhole coverage

"A consumer watchdog group wants Gov. Charlie Crist to veto legislation that would allow property insurers to not renew sinkhole coverage in Pasco and Hernando counties, unless the consumer requests it." "Group asks Crist to veto bill".

North Miami

"North Miami's newly elected officials were sworn in Tuesday -- except for Jean Rodrigue Marcellus. Shortly before the ceremony, sitting City Council members failed to certify Marcellus' win pending a lawsuit challenging how long he has lived in North Miami." "Case holds up council victory".

Labels: me worry?' crowd", Sink "hasn't persuaded the 'what

Kosmas gets another challenger

"Winter Park City Commissioner Karen Diebel is planning to run for Congress against U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, according to various messages the Republican has sent out. A bare-bones website [claiming 'Proven Conservative Leadership'] is already up, her Facebook home page says she plans to run, and she's sent out Twitter messages in recent weeks signaling similar intentions." "Winter Park's Diebel to challenge Kozmas".

Gelber announces

"In what may be the toughest state primary of 2010, state Sen. Dan Gelber announced his candidacy for attorney general Monday with a promise to help shape Florida's 'renewal' in a new political era." "Gelber enters race for attorney general".

"The political fallout from Gov. Charlie Crist's decision to run for the U.S. Senate continued Monday as former prosecutor and state Sen. Dan Gelber launched a bid for attorney general. ... Gelber's attorney general bid requires him to resign from his current post. The jockeying began for his Senate seat just hours after his announcement, with former state. Sen Gwen Margolis launching a campaign for her old job when Gelber steps down in 2010." "Gelber begins campaign for state attorney general". See also "Gelber to run for attorney general" and "Dan Gelber joins race for attorney general" and "State Sen. Gelber in run for Florida attorney general". Related: "The return of Gwen Margolis?".

Another fine Jebacy

"A new report places Florida's high school graduation rate among the lowest in the nation". "Report: Fla. graduation rate 5th lowest in nation". See also "Graduation rates fall in Brevard".

Confederate battle flag at Chamber events?

"Mediators will take another stab at resolving a controversy over the Confederate battle flag flown by the Sons of Confederate Veterans during a Veterans Day parade in Homestead. ... The Dade chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People launched a campaign against the city and the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce, the parade's sponsor. The NAACP wants the flag banned from display in Homestead and at Chamber events." "Straight to the point".

Sink starts

"Alex Sink, the state's chief financial officer and a candidate for governor, launches her campaign with a speech aimed at letting voters know who she is." "In first big speech, Sink stresses the personal".

Charlie on the campaign trail

"Young horse riders must soon wear helmets on public roads and trails. Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday signed 'Nicole's Law' as he sat a few dozen yards from an equestrian ring at Hamlin Park in Palm Beach County." "Gov. Crist signs horseback-riding helmet law".

"Republican politicians doing the bidding of Big Oil"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "About the best that can be said for the FloridaOil.org petition initiative is that its chance of making the 2010 state ballot looks slim. If it makes it, voters will be asked to end the state's 20-year ban on offshore drilling for oil and natural gas and mandate that Florida build infrastructure to support the industry. They might also be asked to expand the state's seaward boundaries -- presently 10 miles --in the Gulf of Mexico, a questionable legal claim to give Florida leverage in drilling disputes with the federal government."

Launched by Don Baldauf, a Bradenton Republican businessman who ran unsuccessfully for Congress last year, the initiative is just getting organized, with citizen volunteers in Tallahassee and several Gulf coastal counties. The group will have to obtain 676,811 valid signatures on its petition by Feb. 1 to qualify for the ballot, a daunting challenge even with the money likely to pour in from the industry.

Meanwhile, drill-baby-drill state senators like Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, have been quick with praise for Baldauf's efforts ...

Baldauf was quoted in the Tampa Tribune saying "the people have spoken loud and clear; they support this." Most of the people in Florida live in coastal counties. They've elected leaders who have kept the offshore drilling ban in place through two decades. We don't hear a clamor from them for drilling rigs. But it seems unceasing from a few diehard Republican politicians doing the bidding of Big Oil.

Mangrove lawsuit

"A Florida Keys landholder charged in 2000 for the illegal hacking of thousands of mangroves on three of his lots is seeking millions in damages from the people he says were responsible." "The unkindest cut? Mangrove case heads to court".

'Glades

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Say what you will about the federal stimulus plan, but thanks to it Washington finally is keeping its pledge to share the costs of the Everglades restoration project." "Washington dollars flowing to Glades".

Basketball diaries

Mike Thomas has a little fun this morning: "We knew this was coming. 'In Orlando, the best restaurant is a Dairy Queen,' wrote Los Angeles Times columnist Chris Erskine. 'Orlando has cockroaches the size of Reese Witherspoon.' That's us — a bunch of goobers in our stained white T-shirts, whacking at roaches with a rolled-up Hustler because the kids have gotten too darned fast to hit."

But Thomas hits back; hard: "This is what I do know: We may be getting our butts kicked in basketball, but we are winning the bigger war. We are replacing California as the center of the universe."

[L]ook at Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. He is youthful, tanned, glowingly vacuous, thinner than Reese Witherspoon.

He is Sarah Palin's future vice president.

He is Speedo material.

Our governor looks more like a governor of California than the governor of California.

Such comparisons can go on. ...

Access to Florida brainpower is the real reason California biotech firms such as Scripps and Burnham are opening facilities in Florida — not the hundreds of millions in bribes we give them.

Scientists aren't dumb. Why pay high taxes if you're not getting anything for them?

We make it simple. No taxes. No services.

"The story of William Dillon is a nightmare"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The story of William Dillon is a nightmare of injustice. The Satellite Beach man spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit and was released last year when new DNA evidence finally proved his innocence. Since then, he has worked at an auto parts store in Palm Bay and striven to reclaim his life. There's no way the state of Florida can give those 27 years back to Dillon, but it should provide monetary compensation to make amends. However, a legal technicality is preventing that from happening and must be reversed." "Still seeking justice".

"Improper kickbacks"?

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "At least 130 times in recent years, the Florida State Board of Administration has signed auxiliary agreements with private firms that were investing billions of dollars for the state and for local governments. But aside from the assurances of the agency's executive director, there is no way for the public to verify if any of those so-called 'side letters' contained improper kickbacks similar to those being uncovered in pension plans in New York and elsewhere."

The agency has stonewalled public records requests for the side letters. More disheartening, the three statewide politicians who oversee the SBA — Gov. Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink — appear to have no interest in pressing the matter. They should reassess their positions.

Q Poll has Sink ahead

"With 17 months to go, a new Quinnipiac University poll shows Democrat Alex Sink with a 38-to-34 percent lead over Republican Bill McCollum in the 2010 governor’s race." "Sink edging McCollum, 38-34%, in new poll on 2010 governor’s race". See also "Sink leads McCollum for governor in Quinnipiac poll".

Bob

"Former New Hampshire Republican Sen. Bob Smith formally announced his run for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat Monday, two months after filing the legal documents." "Former NH Senator runs for Flaorida's open seat".

Bottom of the barrel

"Former U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney, R-Ovideo, is hosting a fund-raising reception for U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, June 27." "Feeney to host reception for Posey".

"Red ink"

"Hillsborough schools see more red ink".

"One of the Legislature's few major accomplishments"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "One of the Legislature's few major accomplishments began drawing new criticism before it got to Gov. Crist. That criticism should not keep him from signing the legislation."

Senate Bill 462 creates a database for monitoring prescription painkillers. Thousands of Floridians have died because they obtained high amounts of such pills from multiple doctors - "doctor shopping" - or bought pills from rings that obtain them illegally. Seven years after the Legislature made doctor shopping a felony, the Legislature approved a bipartisan plan that will allow the Florida Department of Health by the end of 2010 to create a monitoring system of Schedule II, III and IV drugs for pharmacies and physicians.

Wexler

"Roll Call is reporting that U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, has spent more than $6,700 in campaign contributions this year on attorneys to help answer questions about his residency." "Wexlers spends nearly $7k on lawyers to figure out where he lives".

"Hometown Democracy"

"Backers of a proposed state constitutional amendment that would give residents control over changes to local land-use plans believe they have enough signatures to get onto the 2010 ballot. But that's only if a pending Florida Supreme Court decision goes their way." "Anti-development 'Hometown Democracy' amendment has enough signatures for 2010 ballot, supporters say".

Tuition increase

"The average full-time Florida Atlantic University undergraduate will see a $525 education price hike this fall under proposals that increase tuition, raise fees and add a new technology charge." "FAU fees expected to take a jump".

"Unreasonable"

Tom Blackburn: "Every few years Florida lawmakers reform the workers' compensation system again. Every time they do, they find something unreasonable to do with it. This year they topped themselves. The reform consisted of taking the word 'reasonable' out of the law." Please take a look at this extraordinary column: "Injured workers are crooks (and other wisdom from the Legislature)".

Checkbook Charlie "could take a hit"

"Crist's long-standing reputation as an environmentalist could take a hit because of his signing last week of a controversial bill on growth management."

Supporters say the bill will help stimulate the real estate development and construction industry.

Critics, including local governments and environmental organizations, say it won't help the economy but will undercut attempts to limit sprawl and traffic congestion.

It was a top priority for business and industry groups that likely will be a major source of political contributions in next year's elections, when Crist will leave the governor's office to run for the U.S. Senate.

"We were disappointed, particularly the economic reason for it," said Eric Draper [who's running for agriculture commissioner], longtime official of the Florida Audubon Society, about Crist's approval of the bill. "Florida "grew like crazy under the existing rules - to weaken them to help the economy doesn't make sense."

AG race

Although "Aronberg's bid may muffle county's voice", some folks (who should know) suggest that the lineup card may not quite yet be complete, and that we should keep an eye on that feller from Gainesville.

"The devil's in the details"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "The devil's in the details for Florida children who have legal representation through the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program. In signing Senate Bill 1018, Gov. Charlie Crist expanded the ability of guardians ad litem to represent children in court during divorce or related proceedings. Before the bill's signing, the court system had to appoint an attorney pro bono or one paid for by the parents. GAL volunteers are likely a child's best bet for having his or her voice adequately heard in court." "Kind cuts".

"Democratic giant killer"?

"Community banker. Democratic giant killer. Fundraiser extraordinaire. With a resume like that, it's little wonder that Republican Senate President Jeff Atwater hasn't yet drawn a Democratic opponent in the race for Florida chief financial officer." "Republican Senate President Jeff Atwater drives the state to get his CFO message out, 17 months before the election.".

Poor Vern

"Flush with cash and buoyed by a big reelection victory last fall, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan seemed a prime Republican contender for U.S. senator or Florida governor. But on May 12, the millionaire Sarasota car dealer announced he would forgo a run for statewide office in favor of seeking a third House term."

"Representing Florida's 13th District in the U.S. House is an honor and a privilege," Buchanan said. "I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving the people.''

What Buchanan didn't say: Just three days earlier he had been in Orlando, giving a deposition in a lawsuit that accuses him of breaking his promise to reward a former employee who saved a real estate deal involving Buchanan's Sarasota Ford. It was a deal in which Buchanan and his company "made out like bandits,'' the seller says.

And it is just one of 14 lawsuits — all accusing Buchanan and his auto stores of shady practices — that may torpedo any ambitions for higher office, at least in the foreseeable future.

Still waitin'

"The county was awarded $5.3 million, and Palm Bay was granted $5.2 million. But paperwork filing, database entry and federal approvals are ongoing." " Paperwork clogs federal funds for fixing Brevard foreclosures".

"Like a gust that topples a fortress"

Jackie Bueno Sousa: "Expectations are like a gust that topples a fortress -- an invisible yet mighty force."

Just consider the damage it's about to do to cities and counties throughout South Florida, where nearly every local government is considering cutting back expenses or raising taxes, or both.

Many will blame dwindling property values, but that's only partly true. Yes, the decline in property values will reduce the revenue coming into some public coffers, but it's a lack of planning for such a decline that will cause the greatest damage. Many local governments, despite plenty of warning signs, just weren't expecting the steep downturn they now face.

Take, for example, Miami-Dade County. As far back as two years ago, real estate experts were predicting property price declines of as much as 20 percent in metro Miami. Yet, the county's forecast, as stated in its five-year financial outlook, was that property tax rolls would simply remain flat in the 2009-10 budget year.

Cuba

"Cuba has launched a bold policy of oil development that could turn the country into an important supplier of fuel in the Caribbean -- and the United States, should the embargo be lifted in the future." "Cuba could supply oil to U.S. in post-embargo future".

"Wait 'til next year"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "If Palm Beach County commissioners don't like the budget they consider for the first time today, wait 'til next year." "EDITORIAL: Start budget interrogations".

"If it keeps on rainin, levee's goin to break"

"Huge South Florida levee needs repairs".

"Unfathomable"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "he $9.8 million project, using hand-held gizmos modeled after the ones that shipping companies use to track parcels, promised to reduce paperwork and raise accountability by arming 7,000 child- and adult-protection contract workers and DCF investigators with the means to instantly update client data and upload new photos into the state database after each home visit. Why such a mechanism wasn't already in place is unfathomable. Yet, now, when the agency finally was poised to do right by these kids, DCF managed to botch a plan for keeping tabs on the thousands of children under state supervision." "Stop letting kids down".

Brilliant

"Florida, famous for shipping orange juice all over the country, may yet be known for a very different kind of export: criminals." "Fla. legislature gives corrections OK to ship inmates to other states".

"World's seas face myriad threats "

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "In observance of World Oceans Day, take a quick look at the land around us in the United States. For all the commerce, consumption and other human activity on it, we've still managed to protect one acre in 10 through parks, wildlife refuges, conservation trusts and the like. Now look to sea. Despite commendable efforts to establish marine sanctuaries in recent years, not even 1 percent of the surface area of the world's oceans are similarly protected." "Oceans in peril".

The Bill McCollum gubernatorial campaign offered up internal polling that Democratic Alex Sink so far is showing more hype than momentum: McCollum not only leads Sink among likely Florida voters 41 percent to 33 percent, but voters said the had a more favorable opinion of McCollum (41 percent) than Sink (23 percent) and approved of his job performance (52 percent) as attorney general more than Sink as chief financial officer (38 percent).

It's wise to be skeptical of internal polls released by campaigns, but McCollum's pollster, John McLaughlin, is a respected veteran of Florida politics, and his numbers are similar to other recent public polls. He noted that even among the mere 25 percent of voters who knew enough about both candidates form an opinion of them, McCollum led Sink 46 percent to 41 percent.

In the increasingly diverse, melting pot that makes up the Florida electorate, Republicans continue losing ground among nonwhite voters in Florida. Of the voter registrations since November's election, Democrats had a three-to-one advantage with Hispanic voters and 25-to-one among African-Americans. Overall, nearly 40 percent of registrations since October were Democrats and 26 percent Republicans.

Republicans are touting an aggressive statewide voter registration and minority outreach push. But it looks likely they'll be fielding an all-white-male field at the top of the ticket while Democrats have a woman for governor and African-American for the Senate.

Sink won't have the media's Bush-worship this time 'round

"One lesson she appears to have learned is to avoid following in her husband's footsteps, although her Republican rivals may use on her the same strategy they used on McBride." "Economy puts Sink in different position than her husband".

Can cut-and-run Charlie pull it off?

Aaron Deslatte writes that "it's becoming obvious that [Crist's] decision to try to trade up his digs in the Governor's Mansion for Capitol Hill will require a master sales job."

Crist justifies his decision to skip a second term by saying Florida's economic problems are prompted by national conditions he can better work to solve in Washington. But supporters acknowledge the move means the governor will leave a mountain of unfinished business in his wake. ...

[A]lthough Crist is the undisputed front-runner for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez of Orlando, his campaign is a balancing act fraught with peril.

Last week, for example, he flew to children's hospitals in Tampa and South Florida to trumpet a scaled-down KidCare bill that could make it slightly easier for families without health insurance to enroll their children in the program. It was a relatively meager political achievement, but the sort dictated by the tight economic times.

Meanwhile, he also signed two highly controversial bills: one repealing the heart of the state's growth-management laws and another letting tuition at state universities increase by as much as 15 percent annually. But his office announced those in the dead of night, long after the news conferences.

Stop the madness

"Florida, famous for shipping orange juice all over the country, may yet be known for a very different kind of export: criminals. With the inmate population hovering around 100,000 and the state lacking money to build more prisons, the Legislature has given the Corrections Department the authority to ship inmates to other states for the first time." "Florida getting option to ship prison inmates to other states".

RPOFers on the run

"To the average citizen, it sounds like the most boring subject in government - a movement to reform the process of drawing legislative district boundaries."

That movement, however, could reshape Florida politics.

Its first result probably would be to help the Democratic Party win seats in the state Legislature and Congress in 2012 and thereafter. But supporters say it's a nonpartisan effort that would go far beyond changing the current political situation.

A petition drive for two constitutional amendments - one for state legislative districts and one for Florida congressional districts - now has about 450,000 of the 635,000 signatures needed for each amendment to get on the 2010 election ballot, organizers say.

"Jailing the mentally ill strains justice"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial Board: "County jails throughout the state house thousands of people with serious mental conditions. Some of them can't maintain a life on the outside -- as soon as they are released, they commit a new, usually petty crime and end up back in jail. Counties pay staggering bills for psychiatric medications and treatment. They struggle to house inmates whose illnesses make them vulnerable (or in isolated cases, dangerous) in the jail's general population." "Florida's failure".

"Complicated"

The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board: "the bond between school districts and Florida's Legislature is, well, complicated."

Members of the Leon County School Board, and Wayne Blanton, president of the Florida Association of School Boards, repeated as much time and again Tuesday night when the board met for a special budget workshop. Of top concern was how the district will cope with a budget shortfall brought on by the Legislature, though to hear House Speaker Larry Cretul tell it, there's no shortfall.

We don' need no stinkin' taxes

Merrett Stierheim, former Miami-Dade County manager and former Miami-Dade Schools superintendent: "After a half a century of cutting-edge public service in Florida, it's depressing to watch this great state slide into second- or third-class status."

Comparing the levels of quality of public services among the 50 states, Florida ranks in the lowest quartiles. For example, in per-capita tax support for public education Florida is either last or at near bottom.

Over the past decade an increasingly reckless and irresponsible state Legislature, with questionable or nonexistent leadership from the governor, has kept digging a deeper and deeper hole from which it will be increasingly difficult to extricate ourselves. The lack of statesmanship, respect and sensitivity from lawmakers for our local governments, the closest and most accountable to the people, has been equally disturbing.

Atwater alone

"Senate President Jeff Atwater's political biography and fundraising prowess is casting a long shadow in the race for Florida Chief Financial Officer."

Democrats have at least one candidate for every other statewide office up for election in 2010 but haven't settled on a candidate for CFO. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami businesswoman Annette Taddeo are considering the job.

Taddeo, a favorite of many party insiders, said she'd run if her family agrees, and if she could raise enough money to take on a powerhouse like Atwater.

"Not so fast"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "It is obvious why [the Orange County School District,] the nation's 11th-largest public-school system would be eager to remove the scarlet 'S' of segregation tarring its national reputation. Not so fast." "Mission not accomplished".

Just in time

"Churchill Downs Inc. and Calder Race Course broke ground Wednesday on a 104,000-square-foot slots and gaming facility. Churchill Downs says the casino will open early next year before the Super Bowl, which will be played at nearby LandShark Stadium. It will have 1,225 slot machines, three restaurants and valet parking." "Miami-Dade's first casino coming in time for Super Bowl".

Florida's Sons of Confederate Veterans in action

"But the parade had grown controversial after the Sons of Confederate Veterans marched with the Confederate battle flag last Nov. 11. The Miami-Dade chapter of the NAACP, along with members of the former Homestead/Florida City Human Relations Board, have called for the flag to be banned." "Bring in big guns: Feds offer mediation in Homestead Veteran's Day parade flap".

Deep thinkers

The Miami Herald editorial board thinks local government should avoid "raising property taxes to cover next year's budget shortfalls". "The last resort".

Remember that "drop like a rock" promise?

"If you think plummeting home values are going to save you money on your property tax bill this year, you might be in for a big surprise. More than two years after Gov. Charlie Crist promised that property taxes would 'drop like a rock,' many homeowners could see their tax bills increase." "Double downer: Property values are down, but taxes may still go up".

RPOFer madness

Scott Maxwell on what is become a familiar Florida problem, this time it involves one Bill Dillon: "After 27 years in prison, the Brevard County resident was freed — the result of belated tests that proved his DNA wasn't actually on the bloody T-shirt used in his murder conviction."

But finally, at age 49, Dillon was free.

It only made sense that he would be compensated for his lost liberty. And last we heard, Dillon was slated to receive $1.35 million — the standard $50,000 a year Florida pays to the wrongfully convicted.

Only he didn't.

In the time that passed since his case dropped out of the headlines, Bill Dillon hasn't gotten a thing from the state that wrongly locked him up.

And unless something changes, he won't.

The reason: Back when he was 19, he pleaded guilty to drunken driving and possession of a controlled substance — triggering an exemption to the state's Wrongful Incarceration Act.

At the time, the conviction netted him probation and $150 fine. But now it's costing him more than $1 million.

Cuba

"U.S. support for ending Cuba's nearly 50-year-old suspension from the Organization of American States has given the Obama administration greater clout in the region at little cost, according to diplomats and experts."

But President Barack Obama's efforts to engage Havana and promote reform on the communist island did not appear greatly advanced by the OAS move because Cuba has no plans to rejoin the organization.

And prospects for improved U.S.-Cuba ties may have been damaged by Friday's federal charges against a former State Department intelligence analyst for allegedly spying for Cuba over a 30-year period.

Is "the sky falling"?

"When Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill Monday repealing many of Florida's growth-management requirements, environmental bloggers and newspaper editorial writers screamed that the sky was falling."

They warned that Senate Bill 360 would force taxpayers to shoulder the bill for roads to accommodate sprawling development. Financially strapped local governments would not be able to stop ill-conceived development projects, they said, and state oversight would be lost. ...

Two provisions of the bill worry environmentalists and other critics: One would exempt developers in large counties from transportation concurrency - the requirement that builders construct road improvements for their developments. The other provision ends state oversight of large construction projects called "Developments of Regional Impact."

"Side letters''

"The issue of 'side letters' offers another window into the new world of openness at Florida's State Board of Administration."

The state has plowed billions of public employees' nest egg dollars into complex, private ventures. Florida has entered into more than 130 "side letters'' with these private investment managers.

In a growing national scandal, state and federal regulators are investigating whether any of these firms made improper payments to intermediaries to land public pension business in New York state and elsewhere.

Among those under scrutiny is the Carlyle Group, one of the nation's largest private investment firms [].

In New York, Carlyle paid millions to a political consultant's firm in exchange for help obtaining investments from the pension fund. Last month, Carlyle agreed to pay $20 million to end an inquiry by New York's attorney general.

Florida has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in at least six deals with Carlyle.*

WTF?

"[W]hen the SBA filed a $682 million claim in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy case in January, the agency did not furnish any of them with copies. Nor did any of them ask for it. And nobody told the public."

The SBA didn't tell the public about the filing of the claim.

Asked why not, SBA spokesman Dennis MacKee offered two answers. One, the agency generally doesn't provide detailed comment on "imminent legal issues so as to not compromise the legal rights and interests of our participants.''

Two, he said "the basis of our claim'' against Lehman "has been addressed publicly and at trustee meetings.''

In fact, the basis of a claim was discussed at a single trustees meeting — about four months before Lehman declared bankruptcy, and eight months before the $682 million claim was filed.

The bad investment decisions in the Lehman case have cut into pension fund assets and the budgets of hundreds of towns, counties, school districts and state organizations.

Thank goodness for those banjo playin' "conservative activists"

"Claiming that offshore drilling is the answer to the nation's addiction to foreign oil, conservative activists are gearing up a constitutional drive to lift Florida's 20-year-old ban." "Conservative activists trying to overturn offshore-drilling ban".

Fanjul family justice

"One of the country's most powerful sugar companies is trying keep more than 1,400 West Indian cane cutters from suing for back wages by using a 19th century Florida law requiring they each put up bond, an attorney for the workers says."

The lawsuit is the last in a series of wage cases first brought in 1989 against five sugar companies. An attorney for the workers said he expects a state appeals court to rule any day on whether it will hear the workers' argument that the bond is unconstitutional.

The former guest workers say they were regularly underpaid by Osceola Farms Co., a subsidiary of the Fanjul family's Flo-Sun Inc., which also owns Domino Sugar.

Of all places ... Sarasota County?

Jeremy Wallace: "The Republican Party's struggles are showing up in the one place that has been immune from the gains Democrats have made in Sarasota County: the wallet. Through the first three months of 2009, the Sarasota Republican Party posted its rockiest fundraising stretch in years, raising $1,886. It marks the party's worst start to a new election cycle in 10 years. Four years ago, following the last presidential election cycle, the party raised $73,000 going into the first quarter." "GOP in cash crunch".

"Repeatedly and systemically ignored"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Two disturbing facts about the Florida foster care system have emerged following the suicide of a 7-year-old boy on psychiatric drugs. First is the extraordinary prescription rate for children under the supervision of the Department of Children and Families. Second is the alarming revelation that a 2005 law aimed at tackling that problem has been repeatedly and systemically ignored." "Foster care failures".

St. Petersburg

"It won't reassure the many St. Petersburg voters still uncertain and confused about their mayoral choices, but the election is coming far sooner than most people realize." "Just as St. Petersburg mayoral candidates gear up campaigns, about 60,000 mail-in primary ballots will go out".

Outrageous: workers paid overtime for working overtime

The Zell Corporation flacks apparently have a problem with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1935: the very serious Earl Maucker writes: "Take the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The City Commission recently learned that about 50 police officers made more than $25,000 each in overtime last year." "Right to know: When should salaries be made public?".

RPOFers running wild in Palm Beach County

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "During the investigation that led to a five-year prison term - now reduced to three years - on corruption charges against Newell*, however, federal prosecutors showed that Mr. Shalloway accepted a $2.4 million "success fee" from the rock pit owners, Palm Beach Aggregates. Mr. Shalloway funneled $366,000 in payments to Newell as bonuses." "An enabler of corruption".

Randy Schultz: "Since January, when McCarty announced that she would resign and plead guilty, people have asked me to compare the three felonious ex-commissioners. I pegged Tony Masilotti early on as a potential self-serving sleazebag. Warren Newell would veer back and forth from civic-minded public servant to whiny, self-serving weasel. The weasel finally won. That would have been my bet." "McCarty's 'special' downfall".

- - - - - - - - - -
BTW, the disgraced "Newell was elected four times as a Republican, but switched his registration to Democrat [in 2007] with an eye on the 2008 election." "Sides emerge to fill Newell vacancy".