Pols stand up to Mayor's threats in Miami-Dade

"Facing a chamber packed with police officers, the commissioners voted 7-6 against settling a labor impasse between the county and the Dade Police Benevolent Association by forcing the additional concession on 5,400 police and corrections officers."

The panel also refused to impose the controversial 5-percent giveback on its professionals and supervisors, who are represented by the Government Supervisors Association of Florida OPEIU Local 100. That move spells an almost-certain wave of layoffs for them as well.

“It’s an absolute lack of political courage by a board that wants to have its cake and eat it too,’’ the mayor said at the conclusion of a nine-hour meeting. “I’m disgusted at what happened today.’’

The mayor estimated that at least 154 police officers and 145 corrections officers would have to be laid off as the county scrambles to close a budget gap it had expected to fill through additional employee concessions. The county will also likely have to close a corrections facility.

The mayor said he and his staff would meet Thursday night to begin hashing out how to fill the $35-million budget gap that he had envisioned eliminating with the additional health-care contribution. He said other options have already been exhausted.

In addition, Commissioner Jordan took aim at the mayor for moving slowly in reaping savings from his much-ballyhooed reorganization, which reduced the number of county departments to 25 from 42.

Mayor Gimenez reiterated that his reorganization plan is ongoing and will take time. “I’m not going to rush into something and do it the wrong way,’’ he told the restive commission.

Three other unions — representing solid waste employees, water and sewer workers, and general county employees, have reached tentative contracts but also are at impasse on the healthcare contribution. If employees ratify those agreements in coming days the commission will again have to decide whether to impose the extra 5 percent on those groups.

Solid waste employees — represented by the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 3292 — are set to vote Friday on a tentative agreement. Water and sewer workers, who belong to AFSCME Local 121, are set to vote Monday and general county employees, represented by AFSCME Local 199, will weigh in on their tentative pact on Jan. 20.

The county’s labor strife is far from over. On Wednesday, members of the Transport Workers Union Local 291 rejected a tentative agreement by a vote of 820 to 660. That means further delays as the parties return to the table to haggle over a new agreement.

Fla-baggers accuse President of "appeasement"

"President Obama's new defense strategy amounts to an 'appeasement' and a sign of weakness to America's foes, local Republicans in Congress said Thursday." "Defense strategy signals weakness, Florida Republicans say".

Legislature's Opening Day

"Tea Party, Occupy Tallahassee Organize for Legislature's Opening Day".

School grading "rules are changing from year to year"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "Florida's grades for public high schools are finally out this week and generating plenty of attention. But there is a lot more to school quality than the letter grade issued by the state. In this season of shopping for schools for the 2012-13 school year, parents and students would do well to look beyond the blunt instrument of a school's grade to more specific and meaningful indicators of achievement."

In fact, the school grade, particularly for high schools, may give a false sense of a school's actual success. Rather than relying on a school grade as a benchmark, it's far better to drill down into the actual numbers on graduation rates, FCAT and Advanced Placement test results and the like that make up the letter grade. Those are all available at the Florida Department of Education's website. In addition, because the rules are changing from year to year, the same performance by a school may well yield different grades last year, this year and next year.

Anti-Fair Districts appeal

"Oral arguments in anti-Fair Districts appeal coming next Tuesday".

Rubio goes crazy

"It was announced today that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will be giving the closing speech at CPAC this year. Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Allen West will also be in attendance at the ultra-conservative convention." "Palin to join Rubio, West at CPAC".

Citizens’ veto

"Bill to allow Floridians the right to a citizens’ veto filed today in Tallahassee".

Medicaid deform

"When federal officials extended Florida's controversial Medicaid pilot program last month, they required the state to funnel an additional $50 million to improving care for low-income patients. That much was clear. But a state panel grappled for hours Thursday with how to carry out the requirements -- an issue that, ultimately, will land in the laps of Florida lawmakers." "Panel Wrestles with Federal Rules for Health Funding".

Entrepreneurs in action

"Florida AG lawsuit: West Palm Beach firms preyed on distressed homeowners".

Scott goes a little green, Teabaggers in a dither

"Environmentalists were cautiously encouraged by the governor's pledge of support for cleaning up Everglades pollution, but some remain skeptical that a state plan will get the job done." "Scott ‘optimistic’ on resolving Glades disputes". See also "Environmental advocates praise Gov. Rick Scott's commitment to restore central Everglades".

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The Everglades: It’s all business".

Drill baby, drill!

"HB 695 by Rep. Clay Ford, chairman of the House Federal Affairs Subcommittee, states that exploration and drilling on state lands may produce "significant" monetary reward. The bill is raising concerns among environmentalists because it makes no reference to environmental safeguards or distinction over which state lands could be used for exploration and drilling." "Bill seeks to generate state revenue from new oil and gas drilling on state lands".

"A new call to raise premiums"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "We've backed a number of reforms in past years to improve the private insurance market in Florida, but we're not yet sold on a new call to raise premiums at Citizens Property Insurance Corp. by more than 10 percent a year." "Insurance rate hike needs more study".

Gingrich's Florida crew

"McCollum, Crotty to run Gingrich's Florida campaign".

Connie who?

"While most eyes are on the battle for the Republican presidential nomination and the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature which opens next week, the team behind U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, who is running for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, continues to plan ahead for their campaign. Jeff Cohen, Mack’s campaign manager, sent out a memo on Thursday to key supporters arguing that his candidate had 'great momentum' in the race. " "In Presidential Race's Shadow, GOP Senate Hopefuls Plug Away".

Judge blocks Scott's plan to "slice millions of dollars" from disabled

"A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge has issued a preliminary injunction against a plan by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to slice millions of dollars in payments to facilities that serve people with developmental disabilities." "Miami-Dade judge blocks cuts to disability treatment centers".

Casino permits may be subject to local vote outside SoFla

"In an effort to win support and silence critics, the Senate sponsor of the bill to bring resort casinos to Florida wants to let voters approve any new gambling and allow counties outside of Miami-Dade and Broward to compete for three megacasino permits."

The changes to be unveiled today by state Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, will open the door to the possibility of a resort casino in Tampa Bay or Palm Beach County, provided voters approve and investors spend at least $2 billion. The revised proposal would also allow voters in counties outside Miami-Dade and Broward to give slot machines to their horse and dog tracks, and jai alai frontons.

But the measure also attempts to shut the door on loopholes that have allowed the proliferation of gambling at Internet cafes, the expansion of parimutuels at the Gretna barrel racing track and summer jai alai permits. The measure bans any new parimutuel permits, revokes all dormant permits, regulates all Internet cafes and prevents the opening of any new facilities.

Bogdanoff will ask the Senate Regulated Industries Committee to approve the amendment when the bill comes up for its first vote on Monday, the day before the legislative session begins.

Mitt Romney is blanketing Florida with ads and mailers. Newt Gingrich is planning a Miami-Orlando trip next week. Ron Paul is sending out fliers.

The Republican presidential race for Florida is kicking into high gear.

They call this "collective bargaining"?

"Miami-Dade commissioners will wrestle Thursday with the political bombshell of whether to force employees in two powerful county unions to contribute an additional 5 percent of their pay toward healthcare coverage, doubling the tab to 10 percent."

County Mayor Carlos Gimenez is urging the commission to use its authority to settle labor impasses by imposing the controversial concessions, which are needed to balance the county budget.

In September, the board adopted Gimenez’s budget plan, which lowered the property-tax rate and reversed an unpopular increase pushed through by his predecessor in 2010.

Now comes the tough part: Commissioners will have to decide whether to force the painful givebacks on labor unions that are traditionally among their most reliable fundraisers and voting blocks — and that have already made substantial concessions under recently approved labor contracts. Half of the commissioners — those in odd-numbered districts — face re-election contests in August.

The Dade Police Benevolent Association, representing 5,400 police and corrections officers, and the Government Supervisors Association of Florida OPEIU Local 100, representing nearly 4,600 professional employees and supervisors, recently approved new labor contracts that include significant cost savings to the county, but the parties hit an impasse on health insurance. An additional 5 percent contribution from the two unions would yield $35 million in annual savings to the county. For all county employee groups, the extra 5 percent health-care contribution would save some $87.6 million a year.

Not what you would call a "diverse electorate with more mainstream views"

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "The next time Florida moves up its presidential primary, it ought to jump ahead of Iowa even if that means holding the election on New Year’s Eve. That may be the only way to force changes to the primary schedule that would require candidates to build initial support from a larger, more diverse electorate with more mainstream views." "Let's hear from Florida, not Iowa".

Good luck with that

"State Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, has introduced a bill that would reverse some of the controversial measures in the elections law passed by the Florida Legislature last year." "Legislator files bill to reverse controversial elections measures".

Transition documents as public records

"Senate Bill 1464, filed Wednesday by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Destin, would stipulate that records -- including electronic records such as e-mails -- held by new elected officials and their transition teams 'shall be preserved so as not to impair the ability of the public to inspect or copy such public records.'" "Bill would clarify transition documents are public records".

American Petroleum Institute launches ads

"Contentious energy ad campaign begins in Florida". Meanwhile, "New Sierra Club Florida leadership gets to work".

Insurance lobbyists crank up

"Among the items on the agenda of the Florida Insurance Council and the state arm of the Property Casualty Insurance Association of America are a reduction or elimination of personal injury protection fraud, a reduction of the state Cat Fund and an elimination of reduction of the 6 percent regular assessments for Citizens Property Insurance Corp.'s personal and commercial lines accounts." "Private insurers backing series of bills in 2012 session".

Budget & taxes session outlook

"2012 Session Outlook: Budget & Taxes".

"Why is the issue of quality reserved for blacks?"

Bill Maxwell: "Although a new year has arrived, some of America's deepest problems endure. One is the presumed inferiority of black professionals who are not entertainers or jocks, despite the 2008 election of our first black president."

I was reminded of this problem in a Dec. 17 article in the Times about the Pinellas County school district's "critical shortage" of black teachers, a legal status meaning that the number of black teachers is two or more percentage points below the percentage of black students. ...

But many white people cannot control the tendency to automatically question the qualifications of blacks. School Board member Carol Cook, for example, did not equivocate when she reminded her peers that quality should be the primary focus as the district attempts to comply with the order to hire more black teachers.

"I have some (concern) just because of the nature of the agreement," the Times quoted her as saying. "I don't want to turn it into hiring anybody (just) because of the color of their skin."

At first blush, Cook's comment might seem innocuous. It is not. Why is the issue of quality reserved for blacks? How often has Cook or other white board members questioned the qualifications of white prospects in such a demeaning way?

Dems for Mitt laff riot

How low can this alleged Democrat go? "Barney Bishop: Mitt and Jeb, That's the Ticket".

"Why pythons should eat politicians"

Fred Grimm explains "Why pythons should eat politicians".

War on waitresses

"The Restaurant Association writes that 'Florida businesses can no longer afford to continue to increase the pay of tipped employees who make well over the minimum wage.' The Association adds that it 'is in discussions with Senate and House leadership regarding a possible legislative constitutional amendment that, if passed, would appear on a statewide ballot to change that requirement. As of January 1, 2012, Florida’s minimum wage is $7.67.'" "Restaurant and Lodging Association outlines stance on immigration, minimum wage, casinos".

Black robe fever

"On his way out the courthouse door Wednesday, 1st District Court Judge Paul Hawkes was told by the Judicial Qualifications Commission that they'll be waiting if he ever tries to be a judge again."

Three times the JQC, the state agency responsible for disciplining judges, has investigated judicial misconduct at the court.

In one instance 13 of the 15 judges filed a complaint against Judge Charles J. Kahn, who has since left the court to become a federal magistrate in Pensacola. They accused Kahn of sexually harassing women on the court system payroll. One of those women, a clerk, posted pictures of herself and Kahn at a hotel where he was attending a Florida Bar convention.

The JQC rejected the sexual harassment allegations and took no public action against Kahn. But the Commission did charge Judge Michael E. Allen with conduct unbecoming a judge because he wrote an opinion questioning Kahn's involvement in the Childers case. Kahn led an effort to reverse the former senator's criminal conviction, but his decision was upended before it was published after 10 of the court's judges stepped in and voted to uphold the conviction.

Allen questioned the public perception of a decision issued by a judge who was once a law partner of Fred Levin, a Pensacola lawyer and close friend to Childers, a longtime power player on the state's political field.

The JQC found Allen guilty of misconduct and he was given a public reprimand by the Supreme Court before he retired to return to the practice of law.

The Allen trial featured judges pitted against each other and some court employees who described the judges as mentally unstable and liars given to temper tantrums. The court's marshal testified that he had to increase security at the courthouse because one of the judges was getting a concealed weapons permit to carry a gun.

Even Rick Scott gets it

The Tampa Bay Times editors: "Gov. Rick Scott is beginning his second year in office with a markedly different and more helpful tone on Everglades restoration. " "Helpful new spirit on the Everglades".

The best they can do?

"Speaker Designate Weatherford on Governing Mags 'Legislators to Watch' list".

"City officials may have violated the law"

"A consultant hired to investigate allegations that public records were wrongfully deleted by top Sarasota officials said in a report that there is 'substantial reason to believe' city officials may have violated the law." "Consultant suggests top Sarasota officials broke law".

"The only beneficiaries ... are the carriers"

"The relative health of the market is not without its detractors. Rich Templin, lobbyist for the Florida AFL-CIO, said cost reductions and stability have come at a price of reduced benefits, which affects more than an injured worker. 'The only beneficiaries under Florida workers' compensation system are the carriers,' Templin said." "Workers' Comp System Healthy, Regulators Report".

Enough with the "no comment"

Tom Lyons: "In Florida, elected officials and other government employees are supposed to do business in the open, so we know what is going on."

We — the citizens — are the bosses, after all. State and local government belongs to us.

And so, almost nothing our own employees and elected officials have done while on the job, right or wrong, can legally be hidden from us. Trying to hide things is often a crime, and almost always wrong.

So if I can make a New Year's resolution for local government, it might be this: Those who get paychecks from taxpayers will no longer duck tough questions by claiming they can't comment on a matter because of a lawsuit.

Scott wants more control over selection of judges

The Sun Sentinel editorial board: "It was open season on judicial independence in Florida during the 2011 legislative session. Lawmakers introduced a series of insidious proposals to boost their sway, or the governor's, over judges."

One of the worst proposals would have given the governor sole discretion in naming the panels that nominate candidates for appointment to the bench. It passed in the House, but was wisely rejected by the Senate amid bipartisan opposition.

Yet Gov. Rick Scott recently said he hopes the proposal comes back. "When you're elected governor," he declared in a recent interview with WFLA radio in Tallahassee, "people expect you to not have a limit on who you can appoint."

"Session Outlook: Gaming"

"2012 Session Outlook: Gaming". Related: "Casino bill 2.0 to regulate internet cafes, roll back pari-mutuel tax rate".

Property values to drop

"Overall, state economists expect statewide property values to drop 4.2 percent this year, a larger decrease than their initial fall estimate of 3.89 percent. Property values are also estimated to fall another 3.3 percent in 2013." "State economists reduce 2012 property tax value projections".

Florida Republicans sacrificing Allen West

"Florida's new redistricting standards, coupled with the 10-year shift in population, have forced Republicans to do what is rarely done in politics — sacrifice incumbents — and that is not going over well with some Republicans."

The possible casualties include U.S. Rep. Allen West, whose Broward to Palm Beach-based district would become more Democratic in every map proposed by both the state House and Senate.

Broward Republicans have launched a website — "saveallenwest.com." — and are mounting a campaign to pressure legislators to revamp the maps to make them more in line with what they believe are the legal requirements of the new Fair Districts amendments. The changes they suggest would also make the district more favorable to the re-election of West, one of two black Republicans in Congress.

Florida's declares its schools all above average

"Most Florida schools earn top grades". See also "Florida's public high schools score higher performance grades".

Waffle House and Hooters to fight gambling

"With less than a week until the state Legislature convenes for the 2012 session, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association on Wednesday, representing more than 10,000 members in an industry that leads to $57 billion brought into the Sunshine State annually and more than 900,000 jobs ... came out swinging against proposed legislation by Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, and Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, that would expand gaming in Florida." "FRLA Will Fight Against Gaming and Arizona-Style Immigration Law in 2012". Related: "Senate Reg chair says no more workshops for gambling bill, just a vote".

Deep thoughts

"State Rep. Dwayne Taylor met Tuesday with The News-Journal editorial board as part of an ongoing series of interviews before the start of the legislative session next Tuesday." "State representative gives views on legislative session".

Violence from the "values" crowd

"An abortion clinic that burned here New Year's Day has been in the crosshairs of the anti-abortion movement for decades: the scene of bombings, shootings and other violence. Things calmed down in the past 15 years, save for the near-daily protesters who carried anti-abortion signs, Bibles and white crosses as they marched outside of the unassuming, two-story grey building. Yet once again, the clinic is encircled by yellow police tape." "Violent decades surround burned abortion clinic".

There is no better place to start than in Florida where picking and choosing voters has become a high art and low crime. And it is not just minority voters who face these new hurdles but young voters, voters who have moved into new precincts, voters whose interest in politics is newly awakened. In short, voters who aren’t part of a tightly knit group that can be counted on for party-line (dare we say, Republican) ballots in a state where Democrats outnumber GOP registered voters.

The stringent rule on ex-felons was hardly the first hurdle to voting by the new-style Republicans dominating Florida politics. The Legislature trimmed the number of days for early voting, clamped down on changes of address at the polls and imposed deadlines on paperwork from registration drives. Mind you, there were no voter-fraud scandals, just the election of Barack Obama.

The Justice Department retains supervision of changes in Florida law because of a history of discriminatory practices in five counties. So the promised review should be thorough but also swift. November’s coming, and a true democracy is a contest of ideas that appeal to the majority, not just to an exclusive club.

Local voters would decide if they want gambling

"County-level voters across Florida would get to decide if they want to expand gambling in their community -- from slot machines to mega-casinos -- under changes proposed to the highly watched destination gaming bill now before state legislators." "Voter Approval for Casinos, Closure of Internet Cafes Among Revamped Resort Bill".

State GOP flooded with absentee ballot requests

"The Iowa caucuses coincided with Tuesday's deadline for Floridians to register for this state's Republican presidential primary on Jan. 31."

Final numbers may not be available for several days. But Florida GOP spokesman Brian Hughes said the state party has been flooded with absentee ballot requests from those seeking to take part in the biggest of the early state contests.

"Anecdotal evidence points to the possibility that this may be a record-setting Republican turnout for a presidential preference primary," said Hughes, adding that close to 400,000 ballot requests have been submitted.

Nine Republicans will be listed on the Florida ballot, including Herman Cain, who suspended his campaign late last year. Only registered Republicans are eligible to cast ballots in Florida's presidential primary.

Entrepreneurs in action

"Third banker pleads guilty in huge Sarasota flipping fraud case".

Let's cut their pensions

"Dying in the line of duty". Related: "Hundreds of cops expected for Deputy Matt Miller's funeral".

"A big shift in the district of Rep. Vern Buchanan"

"The Florida Senate redistricting committee has released a revamped draft of how it proposes to redraw Florida’s congressional lines. The new map shows a big shift in the district of Rep. Vern Buchanan — a shift that came about because of urgings from Charlotte County residents to lump them in with other coastal residents, according to committee chairman Don Gaetz." "Gaetz: Charlotte County concerns prompted shift in Florida Senate’s District 13 map".

"Broward GOP must be about the most clueless group in Florida"

"A letter from the Broward County Republican Party chairman complaining about the redesigned congressional district of Rep. Allen West could trigger legal challenges, a tea party activist says."

"Just when I thought the GOP couldn't get more incompetent, Broward comes along with an effort to save an incumbent? This is Exhibit A in the first lawsuit," said Henry Kelley, chairman of the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party.

Broward Chairman Richard DeNapoli, in a lengthy letter to legislators, asserted that boundaries drawn by state House and Senate mapmakers unfairly lengthen the odds for West's re-election prospects in the 22nd Congressional District.

By chopping off the Republican-rich northern portion of the district and attaching an inland swath that leans Democratic, the newly configured CD 22 turns up to 5 percentage points bluer.

DeNapoli notes that the current district voted 49.1 percent for Republican Rick Scott in 2010. The new version would have gone only 44.9 percent for Scott.

Kelley agrees that the new maps do West no favors, but questions DeNapoli's arguments and tactics.

"The Broward GOP must be about the most clueless group in Florida. The [Fair Districts] law specifically prohibits protecting incumbents -- which in my opinion is the most rapid path to a lawsuit.

National Opt Out Day

"Public school advocates who oppose mandatory standardized testing to determine teacher salaries and state and federal funding for public schools have called for a National Opt Out Day." "Standardized testing opponents call for National Opt Out Day". Related: "Delay in grading high schools ties up state bonus money".

Mendelsohn must go directly to prison by noon Friday

"Former Tallahassee power broker Dr. Alan Mendelsohn can delay no more and must go directly to prison by noon Friday, a federal judge ruled Tuesday."

Mendelsohn, a former Broward political fundraiser and lobbyist, had already received a seven-month delay before starting to serve his four-year prison term, U.S. District Judge William Zloch wrote in an order. ...

Mendelsohn, a Republican, confessed that he participated in Florida’s so-called pay-to-play political culture, and said he funneled money to former state Sen. Mandy Dawson through one of the then-elected official’s close friends.Dawson, a Democrat who represented a district that stretched from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach Gardens, has since been charged with tax evasion. She is fighting the charges.

Occupy Orlando opposes corporate personhood

"Occupy Orlando today launched an effort to end corporate personhood. According to a press release, Occupy Orlando today visited the office of state Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, 'to present a formal letter asking for his support to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.'" "Occupy Florida groups take action on campaign finance, free speech rights".

Bad girl

"Wilson Leads Florida in Missed Congress Votes; Adams Record Spotless".

Rubio Laff riot

Ms. Parker can't get enough of Mr. Rubio: "The Rubio factor".

A system focused on increasing wealth at the top of the ladder

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "For a small fraction of Florida's workforce, this week is more than the start of a new year — it also marks an increase in pay. Eight years after Florida voters set a state minimum wage indexed to inflation, the wage rose by 36 cents to $7.67 an hour. That means the 3 percent of Florida workers who earn minimum wage are now guaranteed an hourly wage that's 42 cents more than the federal minimum."

Minimum wage critics frequently bemoan this government intervention in the market, arguing that it artificially raises wages and makes it less likely that businesses will hire new workers. But for more than 75 years, this country has held firm that workers at the bottom of the ladder deserve to make a fair wage. And it's notable that in 2004, after years of inaction by Congress, more than 70 percent of Florida voters approved the state wage plan, understanding that the regulation is one of the few checks on a system that seems more and more focused on increasing wealth only at the top of the ladder.

Wait till the Fla-baggers find out about this

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Despite their political differences, key Florida leaders are showing a united front on behalf of the Everglades, which should encourage citizens who care about the state's natural wonders."

The recent spending bill passed by Congress and signed by the president included $142 million for restoring the Everglades and the Kissimmee River. Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and Republican Rep. Bill Young of St. Petersburg teamed on the effort to ensure the funding remained in the bill.

Privatization follies

"Hillsborough Kids Inc. likely to lose $65.5 million annual contract".

"Taxpayer-financed travels are over"

Steve Bousquet: "Frank Peterman's taxpayer-financed travels are over, but the punishment continues."

Nearly two years after the former St. Petersburg lawmaker reimbursed taxpayers for dozens of questionable trips between the state capital and his home in Pinellas County, Peterman faces more problems.

A state hearing officer is recommending Peterman pay a fine of $5,000 and be censured and reprimanded for what the judge called "excessive" travel during his term as secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice in 2008 and 2009.

"Mr. Peterman used his position as secretary of DJJ to travel to his primary residence at state expense when there was no state purpose for the travel," wrote Susan Belyeu Kirkland, an administrative law judge, in an 18-page order issued Dec. 30.

Romney heads South

"Romney ad to hit Florida airwaves".

Legislative Preview

"Redistricting won't completely dominate the legislative landscape in January. A look at other issues percolating in the background and who wants what." "Florida Legislative Preview - 2012".

"But Orlando should be above that"

Nancy Smith: "According to Travel & Leisure magazine, the lodging industry as a whole last year took in more than $1.75 billion in surcharges, which means extra fees are likely to be with us for years to come."

But Orlando should be above that.

There is something distinctly inappropriate and distasteful watching a city built on a worldwide reputation of family-friendliness and first-class entertainment allow its hotels to suddenly load up with charges that scream, "We hate our customers!"

In September during the Republicans' P5 weekend and straw poll at the Orange County Convention Center, and then in October during the Energy Summit at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, I heard conference participants complain mightily about hotel charges they didn't understand and hadn't experienced anywhere else.

Insurance Compact

"Florida would join a group of 41 other states that have already standardized requirements and application procedures for life insurance, long-term disability coverage and other insurance products, under a measure filed Tuesday and backed by industry representatives and state regulators." "Smith Bill Aims to Place Florida in Insurance Compact".

No hazing

"Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson wants federal ban on hazing".

The Week Ahead

"The Week Ahead for Jan. 3 to Jan. 6".

Rewrite of 'destination resorts' bill

"It's already tough enough to get conservative lawmakers behind the concept of three new casinos in Florida, no matter how swanky. But the resorts' prospects may be even trickier now that a rewrite of the 'destination resorts' bill overhauls all types of gambling in the state, from greyhound races to scratch-off lottery tickets. "

Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, the bill's sponsor, recently released the latest version of the plan she says will rein in gambling. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee is slated to take up her bill during the first week of the legislative session, which begins Jan. 10.

Her original measure (SB 710) would create a statewide gambling commission and allow up to three casinos - whose operators promised to spend at least $2 billion each over five years on construction - to build upscale resorts in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

But now all bets currently being wagered in Florida - at Internet cafes, poker tables and slot machines, as well as on horse and dog races - have been added to the mix.

- Require voters in each county to approve new gambling of any type in that county, including the casinos proposed in South Florida; put an end to the prospects of barrel racing as an authorized form of quarter horse racing, except at a Panhandle track; and allow casinos to open anywhere in the state, as long as voters approve.

- Allow the existing pari-mutuels - including Palm Beach Kennel Club - to have slots, if voters approve. And, if voters sign off, the tracks could offer any kind of games played at the casinos, including blackjack, if they agreed to spend at least $100 million over three years to upgrade their facilities.

- Bar any new racetracks or jai-alai frontons from opening after July, do away with more than a dozen dormant pari-mutuel permits and have the state buy back four active permits, using proceeds from the casino licensing fees.

- Shut the door on at least 1,000 Internet cafes throughout the state, now largely unregulated and not considered under Florida law as betting games.

Feds to investigate abortion clinic blaze

"Federal investigators plan to join the investigation of a suspicious fire at a Florida Panhandle abortion clinic that has been the site of deadly violence in the past, officials said Monday. The early Sunday fire at American Family Planning in Pensacola largely destroyed the two-story building, said Lt. Kevin Fiedor of the state fire marshal's office." "Federal officials join abortion clinic fire probe".

Rail bad, Air Force planes good

"Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer will build 20 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force in Jacksonville."

Embraer, which has been building a deep footprint in Florida, announced Friday the $355 million contract to provide its A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the U.S. military.

Gov. Rick Scott commended the bipartisan teamwork that helped land the contract for the construction facility at Jacksonville International Airport.

What Sunshine State News readers are reading

"President Barack Obama found his way into four of the top six most-read Sunshine State News reports in 2011 and, as no surprise, they are pieces that the White House occupant probably won’t be highlighting in next year’s re-election effort." "Obama Most-Read Stories on Sunshine State News".

"Scott could use a history lesson"

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "It was open season on judicial independence in Florida during the 2011 legislative session. Lawmakers introduced a series of insidious proposals to boost their sway, or the governor's, over judges."

One of the worst proposals would have given the governor sole discretion in naming the panels that nominate candidates for appointment to the bench. It passed in the House, but was wisely rejected by the Senate amid bipartisan opposition.

Yet Gov. Rick Scott recently said he hopes the proposal comes back. "When you're elected governor," he declared in a recent interview with WFLA radio in Tallahassee, "people expect you to not have a limit on who you can appoint."

We're not sure which people the governor has been talking to, but it's a safe bet it wasn't any Florida historians. Scott, who moved to the Sunshine State in 2003, could use a history lesson. ...

Restoring unlimited power for governors to appoint judges would ignore Florida history. It would bring back the bad old days, when governors could easily fill judgeships based on politics instead of judicial merit. The Legislature must reject this terrible idea — again.

Romney's Florida volunteers head north

"Tampa Bay area volunteers brave Iowa winter for Mitt Romney".

"Unbelievably dopey stuff elected officials dream up"

Daniel Ruth writes, "thank goodness there are distinguished public servants out there, like Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Lee Terry, who are willing to stand up and be counted as a champion for the irritating boiler room robo-call industry."

Terry is the creative genius behind the Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011, which would permit businesses or organizations to ring up your cellphone whenever they want. And here's the best part. You, of course, would have the privilege of paying for the call. ...

At the moment, mobile phone customers can only be robo-called if they have given their explicit consent to be interrupted in the middle of dinner to experience some come-on to purchase insurance, or contribute to a charity, or receive information from their bank.

Terry's legislation would do away with all that antisocial behavior and open up your cellphone access to the many fine and well-meaning telemarketers, political hucksters and charlatans competing to dip into your pocket.

It is just a guess, but when 54 of the nation's various attorneys general band together in a bipartisan effort to declare Terry's effort to invade the collective privacy of Americans from coast to coast, it might be an indication this is probably the dumbest piece of federal lawmaking to come down the pike since Prohibition.

Broward elections "all over the calendar"

"Broward city elections all over the calendar this year".

Florida’s congressional races remain uncertain until the Legislature finishes redistricting, but there are a number of strong challengers already lining up against incumbents. Democrats would love to oust Steve Southerland, Dan Webster, Vern Buchanan, Allen West and David Rivera, while the GOP is looking to knock off the likes of Kathy Castor and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. With two new seats and Mack running for Senate, there are also three open races that could hold interesting primaries.

The Legislature will have its hands full with redistricting as the congressional and state legislative lines will be redrawn. While Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature, they will be challenged to keep them intact as they are forced to comply with constitutional amendments passed by the voters in 2010 on how they can draw up the maps. No matter how the maps are drawn, redistricting appears likely to be headed to the courts. While few observers expect the Democrats to pick up either the House or the Senate, they have a chance to chip into GOP strength in Tallahassee.

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Authorities say celebratory gunfire falling from the sky critically injured a 12-year-old Tampa Bay-area boy. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the boy's family was sitting outside their Ruskin home around 1 a.m. Sunday and watching fireworks."

Sheriff's office spokesman Larry McKinnon says the boy's mother saw him fall to the ground, bleeding from his nose and eyes. She drove him to a hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered a gunshot wound from a bullet that entered the top of his head.

McKinnon says the boy remains hospitalized in Tampa in critical condition with the bullet still in his head.

Tuesday is the registration deadline for the Jan. 31 primary

"If you think Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul or Mitt Romney is the solution to the nation’s problems, you’ve got to be a registered Republican to express your support in Florida’s primary." "Deadline to vote in state primary looms".

Already "the fourth-largest gambling state in the nation"?

"Supporters of a proposed bill that would allow three massive destination casino resorts in South Florida often argue that gambling is already a big business here -- in fact, one of the largest in the country."

That fourth-largest ranking claim has been repeated multiple times by Bogdanoff, including in a joint editorial with state Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, and by other individuals, including former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Diaz-Balart is a lawyer and adviser for the Genting Group, which has purchased the waterfront Miami Herald property with plans to build a mega casino-resort there.

We wondered if the ranking is true.

As Bogdanoff introduced her casino bill she said: "Florida is considered the fourth-largest gambling state in the nation..." But this isn't as simple as college football rankings. There isn't one universally accepted measure.

Now, Bogdanoff's legislative assistant acknowledges she should have specified tribal gaming. But that said, Bogdanoff's broader point is certainly supported from the majority of research, which suggests that -- if you include the state lottery -- Florida is certainly a big gambling state. No. 4? That's a lot less clear and very much dependent on what you measure and how you measure it.

On balance, we rate this claim Half True.

Bonzo from Bitburg

"With the Florida primary only a month away, House Speaker Dean Cannon says his focus right now is on his final regular legislative session rather than making endorsements."

Nor is he thinking about his own long-term plans once his term expires next year.

Cannon, R-Winter Park, was among the Florida contingent that quickly jumped behind Texas Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican presidential primary. ...

Born the son of a U.S. Air Force serviceman at the former Bitburg Air Base in Germany, once home to the United States Air Force 36th Fighter Wing, Cannon, who has three children 10 years of age and younger, cannot seek re-election due to term limits.

Romney Florida dreamin'

"Steady in Iowa, Romney Counts on New Hampshire, Florida".

'Ya reckon?

The Miami Herald editorial board writes that "must not neglect our most vulnerable citizens or jewels like the Everglades and Biscayne Bay". "Protecting our treasures".

Trib

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "A bill offered by Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, a Naples Republican, would require someone claiming bad faith to notify the insurance company within 60 days of the alleged violation. The company could then address the violation and have a chance to negate the need for litigation."

This may sound reasonable, but a policyholder might not find out for several weeks that the insurance company refused a settlement offer. Lawyers also say it takes time for an individual to find out what has happened and contact an attorney. Then the lawyer needs time to find out whether the facts merit a legal challenge.

With the 60-day limit, citizens easily could lose the right to legal recourse before they even knew they have been wronged.

The bad faith provision, no doubt, is sometimes abused, driving up insurance companies' costs.

Associated Industries of Florida, which supports the bill, calls the Florida civil justice system unbalanced and says, "One of the most egregious abuses in the system is denying a business and its insurers a reasonable time to settle a liability claim without litigation."

The threat of litigation should not be interminable. But this legislative fix goes too far. The Florida Justice Association, which represents the legal profession, makes the more compelling case: "A policyholder should never face an excess judgment simply because the insurer failed to do the job it was paid premiums to do."

Second amendment stoopid

"Report: Man fired at park ranger after getting parking ticket".

PSC nuke order appealed

"An advocacy group will ask the state Supreme Court to reject a regulatory decision that would allow Florida Power & Light and Progress Energy Florida to collect about $282 million from customers next year for nuclear-power projects. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has notified the state Public Service Commission that it's taking the unusual step of appealing an order that allows the utilities to collect money for work on future or existing nuclear plants. The dispute centers on FPL and Progress billing customers for upfront costs on four planned nuclear reactors that would not start producing electricity for at least another decade -- and, critics say, might never produce electricity." "Advocacy Group to Appeal 'Scam' Energy Rate Increases".

"Born too soon to reap the partisan spoils"

Robert W. McKnight: "Timing is everything. It's no different in politics than in other areas of life." "Treasure Coast could have had another top leader in Florida Legislature, but Rep. R. Dale Patchett, R-Vero Beach, was born too soon".

"Scott administration’s dismantling of the Department of Community Affairs"

"The Scott administration’s dismantling of the Department of Community Affairs has put more power into the hands of local governments – a good thing, argues the governor, for development and growth."

But just how much growth is too much? With the economy still in flux, local governments continue to approve tens of thousands of acres for use as attractive communities – often replete with their own fire stations, grocery stores and in some cases, water parks. The reform of growth management laws has eased the process for state developers, but some say the problems have persisted long before the DCA was shuttered. While some argue that growth is good, many say it’s hindering local environments and community water resources in the long-run.

Dem primary will decide central Florida race?

"A retired prosecutor from the Casey Anthony murder trial has announced that he is running for the state attorney's office in central Florida. ... Jeff Ashton said he would challenge his former boss, Lawson Lamar, to be the Orange-Osceola State Attorney. Lamar has served as state attorney since 1989... Another former prosecutor from Lamar's office, Ryan Williams, also has announced a bid for the state attorney's office. Ashton, Lamar and Williams are all Democrats, and no Republican has announced a candidacy." "Prosecutor in Casey Anthony trial runs for office".

"A nearly $2 billion gap"

Gary Fineout: "Florida lawmakers head into their new session this month confronted by a nearly $2 billion gap. This time around, it is primarily caused by a combination of growing expenses in safety net programs such as Medicaid and a sluggish economic recovery that is expected to keep tax dollars from growing significantly." "Leaders taking knife to budget".

Innocuous Facebook posts could become minefields of litigation

"Public officials might have more to worry about with Facebook than just an embarrassing picture from college resurfacing. Seemingly innocuous posts could become minefields of litigation under Florida's tough public records laws, which require everything on an elected official's or government's page to be carefully catalogued. If elected officials are caught chatting about anything which may come up later for a vote, they could land themselves in legal trouble." "Facebook complicated for public officials".

Yaaawwwnnn...

The Tampa Bay Times editorial board: "They may not be household names throughout Tampa Bay. Most of them don't old an elected public office. But these are six influential dealmakers who will have a major impact on public policy and the success of our communities in 2012." "Dealmakers to watch".

A year later, during hundreds of media appearances, speeches and workdays, Scott has claimed victory on every front.

Democrats "are really frustrated because I did what I said I was going to do. They're just shocked," he told a Republican governors' meeting in Orlando in November.

But the picture of Scott that is emerging after his first year in office is far more nuanced, one of political retrenchment and policy recalculation.

Entering his second year, his approval ratings remain abysmal — hovering just over 30 percent in most polls — despite a midsummer overhaul of his inner ring of advisers and a strategic shift away from objectives such as cutting corporate taxes and slashing funding for schools.

Scott's political team has ramped up fundraising, amassing $424,500 from insurance and business interests, through the political fund called "Let's Get to Work" that helped pay for his $80 million barrage of ads in 2010.

The effort, led by campaign strategist Tony Fabrizio, is to take over the "branding" attempts previously handled by the Republican Party of Florida, which paid for robo-calls to voters and Web advertising to highlight Scott's accomplishments last spring.

"It's so people know it's basically his brand," said lobbyist Brian Ballard, who is helping raise money for the group.

Haridopolos the "Loser of the year"

Times Political Editor Adam C. Smith gives us his "political winners and losers of 2011", beginning with the

Winner of the year

Jeb Bush. Absence makes the heart grow fonder every day, especially when Republicans compare the former Florida governor to the current field of presidential contenders and his two successors as governor.

Loser of the year

Mike Haridopolos. The Florida Senate president presided over an embarrassingly ugly session finale where he looked positively weepy about getting rolled by the Florida House. Then, before admitting that he lied to reporters about approving a severance deal for ousted GOP chairman Jim Greer, Haridopolos had to quit his collapsing U.S. Senate campaign that risked permanently damaging his political brand amid publicity about sweetheart book deals and consulting contracts he never could explain reasonably.

Sad day

"The St. Petersburg Times will become the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday. Newspaper officials announced the change in November, saying the new name reflects the newspaper's growth across the Tampa Bay region." "St. Petersburg Times changes name Jan. 1".

"Florida will leap to national prominence this month"

Thomas Tryon: "The news from Florida in 2012 will be full of surprises — sensational trials that haven't even been placed on judicial dockets, exposes of celebrities who have yet to expose themselves, weird occurrences, unnaturally intense natural disasters and genuinely unexpected events."

Florida will leap right into national prominence this month, when the Legislature opens its annual session — earlier than the usual spring opening — on Jan. 10. Besides passing a budget, the Legislature's priority will be drawing the boundaries of state Senate and House, and congressional districts. Reapportionment, as the process is known, is always contentious but a pair of factors — Florida's gain of two congressional seats and the first-time application of two constitutional amendments governing redistricting — will raise the stakes and intensify the scrutiny beyond the norm.

What's more, the likely legal challenges of the Legislature's redrawn maps will add to confusion over which candidates will run for which offices — and where.

Florida will be the third state — and the first populous one — to conduct a presidential primary following the Iowa caucuses Tuesday (yes, this Tuesday, which is also the last day to register to vote in Florida's presidential primary).

Since there is no single front-runner among the nine Republican candidates on the ballot in Florida (can anyone name all of them without cheating?) and the outcome of voting in our state is pivotal, the campaigns and candidates with a chance to win will blanket the state.

It will be a spectacle, at the least, with the aftermath and analysis carrying us well into February — as the Legislature continues its session.

The Legislature's deadline for producing the maps of reapportioned districts is March 9 — although approval might require a special session later in the month.

In June, the festivities will take on a new sense of urgency and, barring some sort of disaster or court intervention (remember, this is Florida; anything is possible), many of the races will materialize. For a week — starting June 4 — federal, statewide, multi-county, county and district candidates must file their final papers for qualifying to run.

We'll find out then which incumbents will be unchallenged and which will face opposition; we'll also learn the matchups of the candidates for open seats.

Following the filing dates, candidates with partisan opposition will make a two-month sprint toward the Aug. 14 primaries.

Statewide, the most-watched race will be the Republican primary to select the candidate who will challenge Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in November. This year, some of the primaries for legislative seats could be intriguing if, because of redistricting, sitting legislators run against each other.

Imagine that: "Scott agency gives itself good grades"

"Gov. Rick Scott's jobs agency gives itself good grades".

Slowing the "assault on ... public employees"?

The Palm Beach Post editorial board suggests that

the Florida Legislature probably will have a more moderate, limited agenda when it convenes this month. That's a change from last year's assault on teachers and other public employees. Lawmakers will be so focused on self-serving redistricting that they won't have time for much else.

Only bean counters need apply

"More than tripling the number of graduate degrees awarded in science, technology, engineering and math by 2025 and more than doubling those same bachelor degrees are part of a plan that one local leader says will attract more businesses to Florida." "Board of Governors targets increase in math, science degrees".

Neanderthals battle for Senate presidency

"State Sen. Jack Latvala is mounting a behind-the-scenes campaign for the Senate presidency that could alter the direction of the state Legislature and produce benefits for the Tampa Bay area if it succeeds."

Latvala recently launched a challenge to Sen. Andy Gardiner of Orlando, who is known as a hard-line conservative and has been campaigning for the post for more than a year.

A Clearwater Republican, Latvala is perceived by some as a comparative moderate mounting an insurgency against the conservatives who dominate the Legislature.

Latvala disputes those perceptions, pointing out that he's already part of Republican Senate leadership and has a long history as a conservative Republican, earning a 100 percent rating from the American Conservative Union from the 2011 legislative session.

"I resist the characterization of this as some sort of maverick taking on the establishment," he said in an interview. "I think I have as much right to be called the establishment as anyone does."

But he acknowledges he wants to make the Senate more deliberative and collegial, with room for members' independence, as he says it was when he first served there from 1994 to 2002.

"Six areas that should receive particular attention in 2012"

The Miami Herald editors: "Resolutions made now by Florida and Tampa Bay can lead to a smarter investments in time and talent to ensure a brighter future. Here are six areas that should receive particular attention in 2012." "Six resolutions for 2012".

Miami blues

The Miami Herald editorial board: "In Miami, where construction and tourism drove the local economy’s spectacular rise in the early part of the last decade, the downturn has hit particularly hard."

Tourism has been on the rebound for some time, however, and shows no sign of abating. International visitors from Brazil and elsewhere are not only spending their vacations here, but snapping up real-estate bargains with gusto, one of the few glimmers of light in an otherwise gloomy picture.

Recovery also depends on devising solutions to save vital public services, instead of simply cutting payrolls across the board to make ends meet. The Miami-Dade County School Board and Superintendant Alberto Carvalho offered a good example by making do with reduced revenues from taxpayers and from Tallahassee — which has cut education support to local districts unmercifully for years — without firing teachers.

Broward County School District, take note. It can be done, with the right leadership and agreement on priorities. Every entity that relies on property tax dollars has had to learn how to make do with less. In 2012, that need will be just as great, but in Miami-Dade County, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who took office after the recall of former Mayor Carlos Alvarez, has shown a keen appreciation for the need to impose austerity at County Hall. Yet he has avoided the mistake of wholesale dismissals and has offered unions a tradeoff in the form of lower salaries in exchange for jobs security.Ultimately, however, neither tourism, construction nor public budgets lead the way toward a new and better economy for South Florida.

The answer lies in providing a nurturing environment for the driving forces of the 21st Century economy, including biotechnology, other forms of science and cyber-communications. The region needs jobs that will keep our local young talent here and avoid a brain drain.A strong example is MAKO Surgical, a medical device company founded in 2004 that employs more than 400 workers, including over 100 engineers, focusing on the use of robotics in orthopedic surgery. Headquartered in Broward County, it is one of the fastest growing technology companies in the country. The University of Miami’s biotech center also will attract more tech businesses to South Florida.Still to be decided: Casino gambling.

Community leaders have stepped up to hold forums on whether three resort destinations in South Florida would offer the right mix for the area’s economic future, and whether the proliferation of other gambling can be stemmed with a proposed statewide gambling commission. As the Legislature considers the issue, it’s important to give local voters a voice by the ballot box to decide such a game-changer.

Race to Tampa

"GOP race to Tampa starts with Tuesday's caucus in Iowa".