Editorials

Legislative leaders are saying all the right things

TBO.com
Published: November 25, 2012

Some impressive words have been spoken recently from Florida's new top legislative leaders. It's difficult to ignore what seems to be a new air of cooperation, at least from the top, and a sense that a lot of things are wrong that need fixed. We agree and wish them the best in making good on their goals.

Florida's new Speaker of the House Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz, made statements in the last week that we hope sets the tone for the Legislature and our state's future. They want less partisanship, and for legislators to fix what needs fixed for the public good, not special interests.

Both men said it, but Gaetz made a big point about fixing the corruption that's rampant in Florida government. This is critically important and we hope he and every other legislator takes this seriously. Florida is known as the most corrupt state in the country. That's embarrassing.

Whatever's required to fix that problem must be a priority. Gaetz said that in his county, Okaloosa, alone a county commissioner was removed for official misconduct, the tourism director committed suicide for stealing money, the speaker of the house was forced to resign, the tax collector was run out of office, the college president was fired and the sheriff is in federal prison.

Highlands County doesn't have issues this severe, but Florida is famous for corruption. With a crackdown and more transparency everywhere, we might be shocked at what we find.

Both the speaker and the Senate president said Florida should never again have the voting fiascos we've experienced in the last several presidential elections. They want to make sure that all Floridians are able to cast ballots and to make sure those ballots are handled correctly in a timely manner. We couldn't agree more. Our voting system is a disgrace, although counties such as ours do a fine job.

Florida has many issues the Legislature must deal with, but stamping out corruption and fixing our voting system has to be at the forefront. At this point it's time to stop pointing fingers and just do the work of the people. Floridians are sick of it and the message has finally sunk into some heads in Tallahassee. At least we hope so.