As promised:
Florida House adjourns in less than an hour, refusing to consider a constitutional amendment banning oil drilling - St. Petersburg Times
What does everyone think about this?
After reading the Tampa and Tallahassee papers, and getting emails from our reps, I think that the GOP was just mad at the Governor for running for Senate as an independent. Period, end of story. I think they are a bunch of snotty little creeps who turned a real issue into a completely partisan issue.
Replies
29
SoWal Expert
I think they are shortsighted partisan dumbasses.
Kudos to the busload of Sowallers that showed up to represent our best interests - since the politicians didn't!
Bet we know some of the "gallery hecklers"! ;-)
Kudos to the busload of Sowallers that showed up to represent our best interests - since the politicians didn't!
Bet we know some of the "gallery hecklers"! ;-)
Beach Fanatic
Here is what Congressman Matt Gaetz says, in an email that went out late last night:
Oil Crisis Requires Leadership; Not Photo-Op Politics
Oil Crisis Requires Leadership; Not Photo-Op Politics
By: Representative Matt Gaetz
?Matt, I?m tired of the talk. I?m sick of meetings. Politicians come for photo-ops and nothing changes. BP won?t pay. My business needs help today or ten more people will be laid off next week. I just don?t know what I?m going to do??
These words of a local businessman have been ringing in my head for days. The economic data is staggering in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon explosion. Lodging occupancy rates are down roughly fifty percent. Restaurants have laid off nearly 10 percent of their workforce already. Property values are declining with consumer confidence in a downward spiral. We should be honest. Northwest Florida is in peril.
The human stories are even more compelling than numbers. I think about the line-cook now in need of work; the waitress whose tips are down by half; the fisherman in serious doubt about the future of an industry. More than ever before in Northwest Florida?s history, we need real solutions ? not feigned optimism and insincere pandering from politicians.
Like President Obama, Governor Crist has been a fixture on our beaches, but his proposed ?solution? to our suffering validates our frustration with traditional ?do-nothing? government at the federal and state level. Governor Crist has called the legislature into Special Session ? but not to discuss cleanup strategies, prevention techniques or economic recovery. Instead, we will be limited to discussing Florida?s long-term drilling policy through a constitutional amendment banning drilling forever.
The Governor?s agenda might seem relevant if Florida faced immanent risks from drilling. We don?t. In fact, our laws already ban drilling. Legislative leaders committed months ago that any expanded drilling was ?off the table? for the foreseeable future. I share that view. Besides, banning drilling will not add one more skimmer to the Gulf, assist in paying one more claim, or do anything to support our hard working local officials. It is pure politics in the absence of real leadership.
Florida should be united in a call for immediate action. We need more skimmers, BP accountability and stronger local control for emergency response. Instead of stranding businesses in the BP claims abyss, Florida should provide aggressive commercial tax relief to keep our economy afloat. Instead of forcing taxpayers to fork over payments inconsistent with the real value of their properties, we should frontload property tax relief and stick BP with the bill. Florida can ease the pressures of mounting unemployment compensation taxes and give local residents a real voice with claims advocates capable of cutting through the red tape. We can do these things without the feds.
Like many, I believe in limited government. But the government we do have should work effectively when crisis hits. Government should not skirt the challenges of problem solving by disguising a philosophical energy debate as a competent response to the Deepwater Horizon explosion. The people won?t buy it. I won?t partake in the charade.
When Governor Crist is ready to prioritize substance over style, I?m ready. When a special session is called to coordinate responses and build a climate for recovery, Northwest Floridians are hungry for action. We deserve nothing less.
When asked why economic recovery was not part of the Governor?s special session call he responded that economic concerns were,?not as timely? as re-banning drilling.
With all due respect, Governor, there?s a business owner I?d like you to meet. He?s seen the photo-ops. He is tired of the talk. This is the time to lead.
Matt Gaetz is the State Representative for District 4, including costal portions of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Counties. Representative Gaetz lives in Fort Walton Beach.
Beach Fanatic
So what is wrong with having the citizens to opportunity to vote on whether or not to amend the constitution to ban near-shore drilling?
Gaetz cares more about the oil industry than the beach.
Gaetz cares more about the oil industry than the beach.
Beach Fanatic
Gaetz cares more about the oil industry than the beach.
and, he needs to run his spell/grammar check...:roll:
The apple doesn't fall from the tree: his Dad wouldn't even keep his appointment with six NW Florida citizens who went to talk with him in March....
Beach Lover
blinded by party lines he & the republicans cannot / will not see simple common sense. There is an agenda behind this and do not be surprised when big oil lands deals on our beaches.
Beach Lover
Quick change politician
Representative Marti Coley (30A's Rep) sent out an email on Monday to her constituents saying, "I will support the constitutional amendment so that the citizens of Florida can decide the fate of oil drilling in our waters." Okay, great!
Tuesday in the Special Session, Marti Coley voted with the Republicans not to allow the constitutional amendment to be put on the November ballot. So, what was she for on Monday that changed by Tuesday morning?
How can you be a representative for people along the Florida coast (specifically along 30-A) and not at least cast a "token vote" for us? She knew the votes were not there for the ballot initiative -- yet, she couldn't bring herself to buck the tide!
Representative Marti Coley (30A's Rep) sent out an email on Monday to her constituents saying, "I will support the constitutional amendment so that the citizens of Florida can decide the fate of oil drilling in our waters." Okay, great!
Tuesday in the Special Session, Marti Coley voted with the Republicans not to allow the constitutional amendment to be put on the November ballot. So, what was she for on Monday that changed by Tuesday morning?
How can you be a representative for people along the Florida coast (specifically along 30-A) and not at least cast a "token vote" for us? She knew the votes were not there for the ballot initiative -- yet, she couldn't bring herself to buck the tide!
SoWal Expert
Representative Marti Coley (30A's Rep) sent out an email on Monday to her constituents saying, "I will support the constitutional amendment so that the citizens of Florida can decide the fate of oil drilling in our waters." Okay, great!
Tuesday in the Special Session, Marti Coley voted with the Republicans not to allow the constitutional amendment to be put on the November ballot. So, what was she for on Monday that changed by Tuesday morning?
How can you be a representative for people along the Florida coast (specifically along 30-A) and not at least cast a "token vote" for us? She knew the votes were not there for the ballot initiative -- yet, she couldn't bring herself to buck the tide!
She is such a disappointment to anyone living along the coast. Actually to anyone living in her district. Voting to NOT protect our waters, coastlines, and livelihoods is unreal- no matter what her party, she represents a coastal area and should be at the FRONT of the charge for this issue.
Why is it so hard to LET THE PEOPLE VOTE?
SoWal Insider
This was all about politics, we already have a ban on drilling. This was about robbing Crist of a political win for November.
Beach Fanatic
Walton County FL is represented (if you really want to call it that) in the FL House of Representatives, by two people -- Marti Coley and Brad Drake. Both of these "representatives" acted horribly yesterday when they voted to stop the people of Florida from deciding on whether or not we want to allow drilling for oil in Florida's Gulf waters. I am not surprised that big oil has polluted more than the Gulf. Big oil has also polluted Florida's Capital. Shame on Marti and Brad! You will have the biggest campaign to stop your re-election that you have ever witnessed. I will kindly remind people of your actions every chance I get.
Marti, shame on you for blatantly lying about the way you would vote yesterday. At least Senator Gaetz tried to deflect the subject (though the Senate's vote really meant nothing yesterday).
I encourage everyone to call, or send a quick email stating your thoughts on the subject.
Representative Brad Drake
brad@braddrake.org 850.419.1300
Capitol Office 313 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-4726
District Office: NWFL State-Chautauqua Campus #205 908 US Highway 90 West DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433-1436
Phone: (850) 892-8431
Representative Marti Coley
(Too scared to give out her email address)
District Office:
Chipola College
3094 Indian Circle
Administration Building, Room 186
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 718-0047
Tallahassee Office:
319 Capitol
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
(850) 488-2873
Panama City Office:
Gulf Coast Community College
Room 203
5230 W. Hwy 98
Panama City, FL 32401
Marti, shame on you for blatantly lying about the way you would vote yesterday. At least Senator Gaetz tried to deflect the subject (though the Senate's vote really meant nothing yesterday).
I encourage everyone to call, or send a quick email stating your thoughts on the subject.
Representative Brad Drake
brad@braddrake.org 850.419.1300
Capitol Office 313 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-4726
District Office: NWFL State-Chautauqua Campus #205 908 US Highway 90 West DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433-1436
Phone: (850) 892-8431
Representative Marti Coley
(Too scared to give out her email address)
District Office:
Chipola College
3094 Indian Circle
Administration Building, Room 186
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 718-0047
Tallahassee Office:
319 Capitol
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
(850) 488-2873
Panama City Office:
Gulf Coast Community College
Room 203
5230 W. Hwy 98
Panama City, FL 32401
SoWal Expert
This was all about politics, we already have a ban on drilling. This was about robbing Crist of a political win for November.
No, this was to make sure the ban can not be lifted. What is wrong with letting the people decide?
Beach Fanatic
This was all about politics, we already have a ban on drilling. This was about robbing Crist of a political win for November.
Forgive me if I am off a little bit -- It has been many years since I took American Government in the 10th grade.
Yes, there is currently a ban on drilling for oil in Florida's Gulf waters. However, that ban can be lifted with a simple majority vote in the House and Senate. (the flick of a switch is all it takes.) However, if the people of Florida were allowed to vote and voted against drilling, it would be a more permanent ban which couldn't be overturned by the House and Senate.
Therefore, we the ban is only temporary, and any rhetoric coming out of mouths about Florida already having a ban is shallow (has no roots).
Beach Fanatic
Marti Coley's Email
Here is what her staff person sent out yesterday. I guess the only email she has is the one for Rebecca:
"Everyone continues to be cautiously optimistic as we wait to see if the cap on the oil well will remain sealed. I know the tragedy of the oil spill has been devastating for our region, and many are faced with great economic challenges as a result of this event. As we return to Tallahassee tomorrow for special session, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.
I will support the constitutional amendment so that the citizens of Florida can decide the fate of oil drilling in our waters. However, I am extremely disappointed that the call of the special session is so narrowly focused. There are many issues facing the citizens of Northwest Florida that we should be discussing as well. Working on the claims process, reviewing property tax issues, and dealing with the environmental issues should all be part of the conversation.
It is unfortunate that with so many challenges facing our citizens a special session that will cost the taxpayers at least $50,000 a day is so narrow in scope. We have reduced every area of our budget, and we will now be spending money that has to come from somewhere. Since drilling in our waters is currently prohibited in Florida law, it would be prudent for us to broaden the scope of a special session to make sure we address all of the issues that are important to our state regarding this disaster. Again, I will support the proposed constitutional amendment, but I will continue to work with all parties concerned to make sure your businesses will continue to thrive and the residents will continue to enjoy our pristine region.
Sincerely,
Marti Coley
Rebecca Stewart
Legislative Assistant
Representative Marti Coley
3094 Indian Circle
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 718-0047
rebecca.stewart@myfloridahouse.gov"
She said she would vote for it: she didn't.
She said she was disappointed that the call was so narrow: she could have expanded it with a proposal, she didn't.
she has promised to keep an open mind: she hasn't.
she says she supports the people in her district: she doesn't.
Here is what her staff person sent out yesterday. I guess the only email she has is the one for Rebecca:
"Everyone continues to be cautiously optimistic as we wait to see if the cap on the oil well will remain sealed. I know the tragedy of the oil spill has been devastating for our region, and many are faced with great economic challenges as a result of this event. As we return to Tallahassee tomorrow for special session, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.
I will support the constitutional amendment so that the citizens of Florida can decide the fate of oil drilling in our waters. However, I am extremely disappointed that the call of the special session is so narrowly focused. There are many issues facing the citizens of Northwest Florida that we should be discussing as well. Working on the claims process, reviewing property tax issues, and dealing with the environmental issues should all be part of the conversation.
It is unfortunate that with so many challenges facing our citizens a special session that will cost the taxpayers at least $50,000 a day is so narrow in scope. We have reduced every area of our budget, and we will now be spending money that has to come from somewhere. Since drilling in our waters is currently prohibited in Florida law, it would be prudent for us to broaden the scope of a special session to make sure we address all of the issues that are important to our state regarding this disaster. Again, I will support the proposed constitutional amendment, but I will continue to work with all parties concerned to make sure your businesses will continue to thrive and the residents will continue to enjoy our pristine region.
Sincerely,
Marti Coley
Rebecca Stewart
Legislative Assistant
Representative Marti Coley
3094 Indian Circle
Marianna, FL 32446
(850) 718-0047
rebecca.stewart@myfloridahouse.gov"
She said she would vote for it: she didn't.
She said she was disappointed that the call was so narrow: she could have expanded it with a proposal, she didn't.
she has promised to keep an open mind: she hasn't.
she says she supports the people in her district: she doesn't.
SoWal Insider
Forgive me if I am off a little bit -- It has been many years since I took American Government in the 10th grade.
Yes, there is currently a ban on drilling for oil in Florida's Gulf waters. However, that ban can be lifted with a simple majority vote in the House and Senate. (the flick of a switch is all it takes.) However, if the people of Florida were allowed to vote and voted against drilling, it would be a more permanent ban which couldn't be overturned by the House and Senate.
Therefore, we the ban is only temporary, and any rhetoric coming out of mouths about Florida already having a ban is shallow (has no roots).
That doesn't change anything regarding my statement. I'm not arguing that we shouldn't have the amendment to vote on. (Can't we add one ourselves with 500K signatures or something like that?) I'm just saying this vote in the state legislature was about politics, not drilling.
There is no high road in american politics anymore I'm afraid. It's unfortunate but both parties seem to spend most of their time sloshing around in the gutter.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Representative Marti Coley (30A's Rep) sent out an email on Monday to her constituents saying, "I will support the constitutional amendment so that the citizens of Florida can decide the fate of oil drilling in our waters." Okay, great!
Tuesday in the Special Session, Marti Coley voted with the Republicans not to allow the constitutional amendment to be put on the November ballot. So, what was she for on Monday that changed by Tuesday morning?
How can you be a representative for people along the Florida coast (specifically along 30-A) and not at least cast a "token vote" for us? She knew the votes were not there for the ballot initiative -- yet, she couldn't bring herself to buck the tide!
I got the SAME DAMN EMAIL! She WILL hear from me today! Not a happy camper :angry:
Beach Fanatic
Oh, and this is ONE of many reasons why I support David Pleat!!
Beach FanaticAuthor
She's already heard from me today about that email.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Marti Coley's statement via email today:
This had to be written by the Republican party.
I replied, again, and suggested that she had deliberately mislead everyone in her previous email, and so I could not place any faith in the contents of this one.
Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent special session.
My legislative experience has taught me that it is important that constitutional amendments be given the proper time and a thorough vetting to make sure that they are as intended. In 2007, the Legislature passed a property tax relief amendment that was later thrown off the ballot in the courts largely because it was passed in haste without enough review. With the Governor now waiting until the last minute to call this special session and giving the legislature only four days to craft a constitutional amendment to ban oil exploration, vet it, and vote on it, I did not believe that the legislature was given the proper time to put a meaningful amendment before the voters.
It is unfortunate that the Governor chose to act in this manner. I support a constitutional ban on drilling in Florida waters and want to make sure that we develop a prohibition that will stand up to the inevitable court challenges it will face. It is important to me that nothing be done that might somehow have the unintended consequence of weakening the protections that we already have in place. Taking the time to get it right is just as important as the legislature passing the amendment itself.
We will be returning to the Capitol for a special session in September. This special session is expected to take up issues dealing with the BP claims process, property tax issues in affected areas, and environmental issues. We will also focus on doing what?s necessary to help create jobs and jump-start recovery in the Panhandle. I believe that these issues are critical if we are going to help our region get back on its feet after this disaster.
As part of the work group specifically tasked to identify regional long-term economic recovery opportunities, I am eager to work with individuals in our region as we look to diversify our economic structure, strengthening our communities more than ever before.
With proper notice and consideration, I believe that a ban that can stand up to court challenges can be crafted and the proper protections for our coastline and our economy can be implemented.
I remain hopeful that cap on the well will remain sealed and that this coming legislative session will be a significant step forward in starting the economic and environmental recovery in our region. The tragedy of the oil spill has been devastating, and many in our community are faced with great economic challenges as a result of this event. I want to make sure that our neighbors are made whole and that such a disaster does not happen again. Our part of Florida is a special place, and we should do everything we can to protect it.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to working with you as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Marti Coley
My legislative experience has taught me that it is important that constitutional amendments be given the proper time and a thorough vetting to make sure that they are as intended. In 2007, the Legislature passed a property tax relief amendment that was later thrown off the ballot in the courts largely because it was passed in haste without enough review. With the Governor now waiting until the last minute to call this special session and giving the legislature only four days to craft a constitutional amendment to ban oil exploration, vet it, and vote on it, I did not believe that the legislature was given the proper time to put a meaningful amendment before the voters.
It is unfortunate that the Governor chose to act in this manner. I support a constitutional ban on drilling in Florida waters and want to make sure that we develop a prohibition that will stand up to the inevitable court challenges it will face. It is important to me that nothing be done that might somehow have the unintended consequence of weakening the protections that we already have in place. Taking the time to get it right is just as important as the legislature passing the amendment itself.
We will be returning to the Capitol for a special session in September. This special session is expected to take up issues dealing with the BP claims process, property tax issues in affected areas, and environmental issues. We will also focus on doing what?s necessary to help create jobs and jump-start recovery in the Panhandle. I believe that these issues are critical if we are going to help our region get back on its feet after this disaster.
As part of the work group specifically tasked to identify regional long-term economic recovery opportunities, I am eager to work with individuals in our region as we look to diversify our economic structure, strengthening our communities more than ever before.
With proper notice and consideration, I believe that a ban that can stand up to court challenges can be crafted and the proper protections for our coastline and our economy can be implemented.
I remain hopeful that cap on the well will remain sealed and that this coming legislative session will be a significant step forward in starting the economic and environmental recovery in our region. The tragedy of the oil spill has been devastating, and many in our community are faced with great economic challenges as a result of this event. I want to make sure that our neighbors are made whole and that such a disaster does not happen again. Our part of Florida is a special place, and we should do everything we can to protect it.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to working with you as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Marti Coley
This had to be written by the Republican party.
I replied, again, and suggested that she had deliberately mislead everyone in her previous email, and so I could not place any faith in the contents of this one.
Beach Fanatic
So what is wrong with having the citizens to opportunity to vote on whether or not to amend the constitution to ban near-shore drilling?
Gaetz cares more about the oil industry than the beach.
Gaetz cares about who bankrolled his $400K campaign for a $40K/year position. Which turn out to be not all that many people in Okaloosa County. I'm so disappointed in Craig Barker not deciding to run for the full term seat this fall since I think he far more had the interests of Panhandle residents at heart.
SoWal Insider
If Marti Coley had thought things through, she would have said earlier that she supports the ban, but wanted to propose a special session in August, not wait till September, so as to allot more time for the appropriate legal language to be added to the Constitution that is rock solid. Frankly, with most of the legislature being lawyers, you would think that 4 days would be sufficient with enough heads working on it, but obviously with Marti not having any legal experience, how would she know? 
; but, instead, no, they are going to wait till September and have a bunch of newbies working on special relief committees. What a joke. :roll::roll:
Florida is in a crisis now and the special legislature at least has a job. The least they could do is work through the summer and take a lousy week if need be, but they should all be in Tallahassee the rest of the summer working on Florida's coastal communities needs and let BP foot the bill. I'm betting they are hoping that the people may be less furious and protective come September as the season dies down and some claims are paid.
How could anyone not believe the vote to adjourn wasn't politically motivated?
; but, instead, no, they are going to wait till September and have a bunch of newbies working on special relief committees. What a joke. :roll::roll:Florida is in a crisis now and the special legislature at least has a job. The least they could do is work through the summer and take a lousy week if need be, but they should all be in Tallahassee the rest of the summer working on Florida's coastal communities needs and let BP foot the bill. I'm betting they are hoping that the people may be less furious and protective come September as the season dies down and some claims are paid.
How could anyone not believe the vote to adjourn wasn't politically motivated?
Beach Fanatic
No, this was to make sure the ban can not be lifted. What is wrong with letting the people decide?I totally disagree. It was, politics pure and simple. I, as you know, live as close as one can to the gulf. I am totally in favor of a ban on drilling in state waters. That does not mean you need a Constitutional amendment to prevent it. We already have one concerning pigs and how great is that? Once you make something, anything, part of the Constitution it is very hard to change it. Be careful what you wish for. Also, it is my firm belief that the rest of Florida would not vote for the ban anyway.
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Once you make something, anything, part of the Constitution it is very hard to change it.That's the point, isn't it?
Also, it is my firm belief that the rest of Florida would not vote for the ban anyway.Well, we'll never know now.
Beach Fanatic
I posted a short video and a collage of photos taken yesterday at the event. I put them under Photos and Videos 
in case anyone is interested.
in case anyone is interested.Beach Fanatic
That's the point, isn't it?What are you talking about? It can be put up at the next special session or a regular session of the legislature. As stated previously, by me and others, this was a ploy by Crist to seek political favor and nothing more. Even if its true the ban can be lifted by a simple majority in both branches of the legislature, it will be in effect until they are in session!
Well, we'll never know now.
Beach Fanatic
Note:
Republicans supported a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2008, despite laws on the books that already prevent it.
***********************
Total hypocrisy!! Hhmmmm I wonder if that is the "moral values" being discussed over on the other thread.
Republicans supported a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2008, despite laws on the books that already prevent it.
***********************
Total hypocrisy!! Hhmmmm I wonder if that is the "moral values" being discussed over on the other thread.
Beach Fanatic
You Republicans who continue to support these idiots that changed their "opinion" to be against drilling off Florida's coast AFTER the spill and NOW aren't interested in representing the VAST majority of Florida's citizens interest in a vote on a constitutional Ban on drilling deserve to experience everything that the oil whores of Louisiana are experiencing now. You are very naive to believe that YOUR republican leadership will not work hard on lifting the ban next year.
Edited
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