Consider his travel schedule the past two weeks: presidential candidate John McCain's Arizona ranch two weeks ago; New York fundraisers for Republicans as well as his socialite girlfriend; private Tuesday fundraisers in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale with Republican Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and others to discuss not the global, but the "political climate'' this year; a ceremonial pitch Tuesday in Atlanta at a Marlins-Braves game; a Republican Governors Association meeting Wednesday in Atlanta;
and a Thursday elbow-rubbing with former football jock Tiki Barber Thursday in Tallahassee after a marathon clemency board hearing.
"I could be criticized for anything. And it's up to critics to make those criticisms. And if they make them, I'll respond to them'' Crist said.
Asked about the crticism that he should spend more time learning about the global warming legislation and less time at ceremonial appearances, Crist said: "It's an argument that can be made. I just do the best I can.''
The St. Petersburg Times was shocked about Crist's disengagement from the recent legislative session.
Here is one snapshot that illustrates the difference between Tallahassee and the real world. After state lawmakers wrapped up negotiations over a meager state budget this week, Gov. Charlie Crist proclaimed himself "so grateful to this Legislature for what they have done.'' Hours later, Pinellas school officials proposed cutting salaries for teachers and other employees by 2 percent and closing up to 10 schools.
The media fails to understand that Crist is in perpetual campaign mode. The man once dubbed as "Chain Gang Charlie" decided to restore felon voter rights and get behind reducing greenhouse gases at a time The GOP is hurting. Crist is talking with party elders while Florida is in economic trouble. This is perfectly logical.
Hardball appearances, positive spin and being mentioned as John McCain's running mate are Crist's agenda. Crist will not risk damaging his approval ratings on legislative fights in Tallahassee and D.C. 60 percent of Floridians are dissatisfied with the state of the state. 61 percent approve of Crist. Effective governing and popularity are two different beasts.
Dear Governor Crist:
ReplyDeleteI am a small business owner in south Florida and I want to draw your attention to an item in the proposed state budget that will (1) lose money for the state by closing a successful public private partnership, (2) raise taxes for Lee County citizens, and (3) have an inequitable, negative impact on lower income citizens.
The state budget currently on your desk includes a recommendation by the Department of Highway Safety and Motors Vehicles to close 13 offices throughout the state. However, one of the proposed offices for closure, located in North Fort Myers, actually makes money for the state. Closing this office would further exacerbate revenue shortfalls.
Last year, the North Fort Myers office handled 70,563 customer transactions, bringing in $1,225,399 in revenue, with only $226,252 in expenses. In other words, this office generated almost $1 million in revenue for the state and is by far the most profitable office on the list. A less profitable office located in a more affluent community, Cape Coral, is not on the list and will remain open.
The closing of the North Fort Myers office will inconvenience many lower income residents and force them to spend more money on gasoline in order to drive to the Cape Coral office or to one of the two Lee County Tax Collector offices that have part-time services available. However, these County offices will charge a $5.25 tax, in addition to current driver license service fees.
Furthermore, the closing of the North Fort Myers location will leave Lee County with only one full-service location. This despite the fact that from 2000 to 2006, Lee County experienced 29.6% growth, more than doubled the statewide average (13.2%) during that same time period.
I urge you to VETO the budget line item that includes the closing of the North Fort Myers office. During these difficult financial times, the state cannot afford to close a revenue generator – and citizens cannot afford to pay additional taxes and fees.
Sincerely,
James Milloway