Horrible Newspaper Endorsement For Thrasher

The Florida Times-Union endorsed John Thrasher for Florida Senate district 8. The newspaper cited Thrasher's work as a lobbyist as one of the editorial board's reasons for the endorsements.

He has the experience as a former speaker of the House and as a lobbyist to get things done. It makes no sense to send a political neophyte to Tallahassee in such an important post.

The fact that Thrasher is a lobbyist provides so many potential conflicts of interest. The fact that the Florida legislature refuses to bar members from serving as lobbyists says serious reform is needed. Thrasher worked as a lobbyist for developers against Florida Hometown Democracy. FHD placed Amendment 4 on the ballot.

Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.

Short answer: Land use plans must be approved by voters and government officials. FHD formed to stop the influence of developers on elected officials. Local citizens will have a chance to vote on referendum.

Thrasher is the Chairman of Save Our Constitution. Tampa Tribune political reporter William March cited a misleading letter Thrasher sent out against FHD.

“The special interests (many of them out-of-state) have much to gain from passing this Amendment,” the letter says. He says the amendment would allow them to “turn our beautiful state into a dumping ground for special interests.”

Thrasher’s letter says the amendment “turns all power over use of Florida’s lands to certain ‘electors,’ ” without explaining that “electors” is the legal term for registered voters.

“Guess who the ‘electors’ will be,” it says. “The special interests and their slick lawyers will rig the system to put our future in the hands of their cronies.”

Amendment 4 does exactly the opposite of what Thrasher claims. FHD cited Florida Division of Elections numbers of organizations donating to Save Our Constitution.

• Florida Transportation Builders: $50,000

• Florida Association of Realtors: $50,000

• Floridians for Conservative Values: $25,000

• Wal-Mart: $25,000

As a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Thrasher was publicly reprimanded on the House floor. As a member of the legislature, Thrasher was not allowed to lobby a state board. That didn't stop Thrasher from lobbying the Florida Board of Medicine on behave of the Florida Medical Association.

After Thrasher left the Florida House, he was not allow to lobby his colleagues for two years. Thrasher organized a luncheon for House members in 2001 and lobbied them on behave of his various clients. Thrasher was forced to pay a $500.00 fine for his violation.

The Florida Times-Union really should not have sold Thrasher's lobbying experience as an asset.