Rick Scott made news when he put a freeze on all state regulations and contracts that had been approved by now former Governor Charlie Crist in his first day in office. Though a bit starting, it was fulfilling his state goal to streamline state government.
But until earlier this week, no one that also meant that he had withdrawn Florida’s request to the U.S. Department of Justice to pre-approve Amendments 5 and 6, which passed with more than 60 percent voter approval in November. The measures, also known as “Fair Districts,” change the way lawmakers create legislative districts for Congress and the Legislature.
Naturally Democrats have reacted in anger, but not just Democrats.
On Wednesday, New Port Richey Republican Senator Mike Fasano, who didn't support Amendments 5 and 6, hand delivered a letter to Governor Scott telling him he had gone too far. Fasano told the governor that, frankly sir, 60% + of Floridians who voted last November put those items into the state constitution, and he needs to respect that vote.
Just as you and many other elected officials made it into office with a majority of the vote, as the rules required, the adoption of these amendments occurred just as the rules required. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider resuming the federal review of the amendments so that the state can move forward with incorporating them into the constitution (and allowing the reapportionment process to proceed according to the people’s will).
With the redistricting process underway it is imperative that the Florida Legislature has the time to do it right. By allowing the federal review to move forward you will be assisting the Legislature in doing one of the most important functions it has: drawing the congressional and legislative districts.
This article appears in Jan 20-26, 2011.