Post # 337, Bob McKnight's Florida Commentary
During the Golden Age of the Florida Legislature, lawmaking was a craft. Here are five of the very best with whom I worked, from both sides of the aisle.
Readers of my book, The Golden Years of the Florida Legislature, '70's and '80's (dust cover of the book shown above), often ask, "Who was a good model at lawmaking--on both sides of the aisle? Obviously, there are many to choose from because the Golden Age really spanned two decades. But in addition to identifying effective legislators, I think generally good people should be included. So with the standard disclaimer, that these are some of my choices, but there are many more from that important time in Florida's history.
Senator Bob Graham (D., Miami Lakes). I was in the Dade Delegation serving with the Harvard law school graduate, and recall very clearly his advice to me when we were sharing a ride back to Miami from Tallahassee, "Unless you are of a Marshall Harris intellect, focus on one or maybe two issues. Learn everything you can about those few issues so they become your signature issue."
Representative Curtis Kiser (R., Clearwater). Curtis was a smart attorney hailing from Iowa, but a quick learner on critical issues in coastal Florida--mainly water. Since I was the only Miami member on the House Special Committee on Water Management, he taught me how to form a Bi-Partisan Water Coalition anchor by South Florida and Pinellas County. It worked and became the model for future legislators.
Senator Buddy MacKay (D., Ocala). Widely recognized as a valuable legislator by the press, he once counseled me on holding off on announcing commitments until it is absolutely necessary. He reminded me how changes and amendments can change a bill significantly. But he emphasized, that when you commit, you own that position--forever. Your word is your bond. I am told this sage advice is often ignored today.
Representative Betty Easley (R. Clearwater). Betty was an Army brat and a student of lawmaking in the minority. So as she and her husband Ken told Susan and me in a private dinner during the '75 Session, "You have to make friendships to then develop trust and cooperation." Now, some 50 years later and in an abysmal functioning bi-partisan Legislature, I see how insightful her advice was.
Senator Jerry Thomas (D., Tequesta). Jerry was a banker from Palm Beach County and a friend of my parents while I was in college and graduate school. Because my parents knew I might pursue politics, they sought the Senator's advice. I remember it well, "A bill should not be easy to pass. There is only one bill that must pass, and that is the appropriations bill.
Fault on the side of studying legislation too much." It is said that bills are often not understood, nor in some cases even read today.
Great advice from great legislators.
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