Bob McKnight's Blog and Quorum Call

Elliott Key Lobster Sanctuary

admin — Sun, 20 May 2012 01:12:36 +0000

One of my political mentors was the late Congressman Dante Fascell of Miami (D., South Miami). In addition to his legendary service as the Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, the Congressman had a great interest in conservation programs in his district. Since my Senate district was almost identical, I attempted to tie some of my state legislation to his federal legislation, when possible. Congressman Fascell had established the waters around Elliott Key off the coast of Homestead as protected by federal statute, and researchers from the Rosentiel School of Marine Sciences at the University of Miami had briefed me on the opportunity of creating a lobster sanctuary in the adjacent state waters off Elliott Key. I pass the legislation in the early 1980′s, and I am told the conservation initiative has resulted in a substantially protected and restored lobster marine fishery in South Florida. The good guys and gals won that one.

The Ring To Kiss

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 23:42:54 +0000

During the Golden Era of the Florida Legislature, the ‘ring to kiss’ was well known–Senator Dean Dempsey Barron (D., Panama City) In the U.S. Senate during that general time frame, it was Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson (D., Texas). In the U.S. House of Representatives, it was another Texan, Speaker Sam Rayburn (D., Texas). Today, in the U.S. Senate, I think it may well be South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint. He is largely responsible for the success of the Tea Party in navigating the election of Senators in 13 states. Consider:

Retiring Senators Opposed by Senator DeMint and the Tea Party (11): Bennett (R., Utah), Lugar (R., Indiana), Nelson (D., Nebraska), Conrad (D., N.D.), Libermann (I., Conn.), Webb (D., Va.), Snowe (R., Vt.), Kyl (R., Tx.), Akaka (D. Alaska), Bingaman (D., NM.), and Kohl (D., Wis.).

Others Opposed by Senator DeMint and the Tea Party (2): Gov. Crist (R., FL) and Congressman Mike Castle (D., Deleware).

The irony is Senator DeMint does not chair a committee in the Senate and is generally described as ineffective as a lawmaker. But he is smart and determined. Most of all he is a staunch conservative that will not be affected by intimidation. Senator Jim DeMint (R., South Carolina) is the ‘ring to kiss‘ for candidates for the U.S. Senate today.

Can You Have Advice OD?

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:31:33 +0000

Critics would argue that because of Governor Scott’s lack of government experience, he is overly relying on his Chief of Staff Steve MacNamara for advice. If true, perhaps that has something to do with the latest embarrassment for the Governor–that MacNamara engineered a $5.5 Million no-bid contract for the partner of one of MacNamara’s closest friends. Perhaps there can be too much advice in politics.

That was also the case in 1980-82. Then Senate President W. D. Childers, obviously over his head in trying to manage the 40 member Senate against the will of his long time mentor and friend, Senate Dean Dempsey Barron; turned to private attorney Fred Levin for counsel and advice. Levin was a recognized and successful trial lawyer from Childer’s home town in Pensacola, and was not short on strong and controversial opinions. I recall getting a note on the floor that the President wanted to see me in his office ASAP. I entered the Senate President’s office to find one person in the office sitting at the desk of the presiding officer of the Senate (of which I was member). It was Fred Levin. It is possible to have advice overdose.

The Last Standing Members

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:27:06 +0000

And then there were only 2. I started my public service in the Florida House of Representatives…along with a fellow freshman, Gwen Margolis of North Miami Beach, in 1974. I retired from the Florida Senate in 1982, then serving with Senator Margolis and a one term member of the Florida House of Representatives, Dr. Dennis Jones of Seminole. As of today–38 years later from when it started, Senators Margolis and Jones remain in office as the Deans of the Florida Legislature. Margolis reached the pinnacle of success in her legislative career, being the first woman (and one of the very few from Miami Dade County) elected President of the Florida Senate. Jones served with great distinction, chairing almost every major committee in both the Florida House and Senate. Adding to their success, I would like to say that both are fine individuals that were a pleasure with which to work. The state has been well served by the last standing members–Senators Gwen Margolis and Dennis Jones.

The ‘Chiefs’–Jim Apthorp and Charlie Reed

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:03:57 +0000

It has been often said, “Look at with whom he or she surrounds themselves, and you see the quality of the person.” As I indicated in my book, The Golden Years…The Florida Legislature, ’70′s and ’80′s, I was truly blessed by being able to serve in the Florida Legislature at the same time as legendary Governors Reubin Askew and Bob Graham. Applying the adage above, the Chiefs of Staff for the two Governors were extraordinary–Jim Apthorp for Askew and Dr. Charles Reed for Graham. Apthorp was a protege of master politician, former Lt. Governor Tom Adams, and Reed was a former Penn State linebacker who came up through the rough and tumble political environs of Florida education. I worked with both ‘Chiefs,’ and they had in common intelligence, industry, determination, a sense of humor, and decency. Best of all, they both knew how to work the legislative process–’get what you want, but make them think it was their idea.’ Apthorp and Reed–the ‘Chiefs’ from the Golden Era of Florida politics.

Governor Scott’s Mid Term Report Card

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:50:11 +0000

Grades:

Vision for Florida: F With no inspirational vision for Florida articulated by the Governor, other than creating jobs–any available at any cost–a failure is the only grade available.

Implementation of the Executive Branch: D With the Governor having no government experience, his appointments lack star quality, and he has demonstrated little or no interest in his oversight responsibility.

Integrity in Office: D Since he spent $73 million of his own money to obtain the office, Governor Scott has avoided any serious conflicts of interest, since taking office. But he memorizes in advance his answers to reporter’s questions, drawing attention to his apparent lack of integrity.

Being “All He Can Be” in Office: D The Governor has done next to nothing to bridge the partisan, racial, educational, environmental, and societal gaps in Florida, as the leader of the fourth largest state.

Civility: A Governor and Mrs. Scott seem very pleasant and civil.

Overall Grade: D Perhaps most tragic of all as a result of Governor Scott at his mid term in office, is the lost opportunity for excellence in the state over the past two years.

“The Governor Wants You To Join Him In Your District”

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:52:35 +0000

The call that came to me was from Ron Villella, executive aide to Lieutenant Governor Wayne Mixson in 1980. Governor Bob Graham was under serious consideration by President Jimmy Carter to be appointed to a federal Cabinet post, and rumors were swirling about what might happen if Governor Mixson stepped up as Governor. Neither Ron nor anyone else ever said anything to me about any future positions in a possible Mixson Administration, but I must admit, my imagination was running at break neck speed. Since my district included most of Miami and all of Monroe County and the Florida Keys, I asked Ron what area the Governor wanted to visit. Ron said the Keys, so after meeting the Governor’s state plane at Tamiami Airport in Kendall, we started the drive through Cutler Ridge heading into the Keys. Actually, Susan and I had already become good friends with Wayne and Margie during our days together as members of the Florida House of Representatives, but it was a wonderful ‘get to know each other’ trip. As history confirms, Wayne Mixson went on to become the 39th Governor of the State of Florida.

The Market on St. George Island

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:57:56 +0000

I know it sounds odd for a political Blog to feature a ‘market’, but for visitors to the Florida Capitol in North Florida, the political angle applies to St. George Island (“SGI”). But, here is the story. When Susan and our family came to Tallahassee in 1974 for our first term in the Florida House of Representatives, we asked about area recreation. We were told that Dog Island was ideal, but required a boat to get there. We were also told that neighboring St. George Island was equally appealing, and was more ‘civilized.’ We tried both and fell in love with SGI, as the locals called it. When on the island, we found the central meeting place was a small, locally owned grocery called, no surprise here–simply the Market. The rows of food and necessities in the Market were so tight that you could easily shop down both aisles at one time. The political connect was we could not remember, even now, after dozens of visits, ever not seeing a high ranking public official in the Market–from Supreme Court Justices, Senators, Representatives, and Cabinet members. I am not sure that the Sunshine Law was not violated in the Market over the last 40 years.

Election Day, 32 Years Ago

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:32:36 +0000

It seems we can remember certain dates in our past more than others. I remember the day of the General Election in 1980 as if it were yesterday. It was around 5:30 in the morning and I was leaning against the wing of the state’s king airplane along with Governor Bob Graham (D., Florida) and State Representative Joe Allen (D., Key West) on the tarmac of the airport in Key West. The Governor had just attended a campaign event the night before for Representative Allen’s re-election, and was about to leave for his flight to Miami Lakes to vote. I thought to myself, ‘of all the places the Governor could be on that important day, he selected to be with my friend Representative Joe Allen for his re-election.’ Although the Governor’s visit was probably not necessary, it did propel Representative Allen to a big victory later that day.

Ah, Mr. Speaker…

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:37:22 +0000

It is funny how we can remember some things so clearly, even if they occurred many years ago, and were not that significant. One that comes to mind is an early meeting of the freshman class in 1974 of the Florida House of Representatives with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Don Tucker (D., Tallahassee). We were briefed by the staff directors of the committees of the House on the major issues of the day, and then had a round robin discussion of other important pending issues.

At one point the Speaker said, “Now, this has been a wild couple of months for each of you, running for the House, winning, and getting ready to embark on your new career in Florida politics. Is there anything on your mind, or anything you might need to be effective in your work for the people of Florida?” What a wonderful question.

From the back of the group of 43 freshman, one freshman–to be unnamed, but from Jacksonville and a future Mayor of the First City, came the response, “Ah, Mr. Speaker, now that you mention help, when do we get our per diem?” What innocence that comes from the mouths of freshman?