Professional Documents
Culture Documents
An icy welcome
Lawmakers return to Tallahassee, a city for all seasons
Its not quite as bad as that time Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest,
but still: when the Legislature arrives for its annual fiesta of
grandstanding, money-grubbing and hissy fit-pitching, Tallahassee
feels like an occupied city.
Diane
Roberts
CAPITAL IMPACT
CONTRIBUTOR
CAPITAL
IMPACT
SESSION 2016
CREDITS
Publisher:
Skip Foster
Editor:
William Hatfield
Writers:
Bill Cotterell, Jeff Burlew,
Ryan Dailey, Jon Ausman,
Diane Roberts, James Call,
Kati Schardl
Photography:
Joe Rondone
Web producer:
Ashley White
Design team:
Martha Gruender,
Michael Babin and
Ben Buckner
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
The
Enigma
of Rick Scott
Is our governor a
pioneer in the rise
of anti-establishment
candidates and
what is he up to next?
BILL COTTERELL CAPITAL IMPACT COLUMNIST
AP
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
ness organizations would back any conservative Republican, but MacManus said
Scotts sunny optimism about job creation goes down well with the average Floridian
who may not love him, but hopes his plans will work.
Tax cuts and business incentives are the economic messages he continues to talk
about, and that resonates with the business community, she said. The people who
are not doing as well as they think they should, economically, will take hope from
that.
Repeating his basic campaign speech at quarterly Republican Party conferences,
Scott used to joke about what a friendly reception he received, compared with his
largely ignored visits in 2010, when the party establishment was flocking around
McCollum. In office, he has had uneven relations with the party which rejected his
choice of former Chairman Leslie Dougher in favor of state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, the
current state GOP chairman.
Where other governors have surrounded themselves with top legislative leaders
for budget matters, Scott announced his first budget at one tea party rally in 2010 and
signed it with line-item vetoes at another such gathering. Last summer, he enraged Republican lawmakers with a record $461 million in budget vetoes, including
some big-ticket items sought by Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, and
other top legislative leaders.
Scotts disdain for politics and government as usual was amply illustrated by the
departure of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who was implicated in an investigation of Internet Cafe gambling, but never accused of any wrongdoing. He left the office vacant for a year.
Similarly, Scott badly bungled the ouster of Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey in late 2014, initially claiming the highly respected chief wanted to retire which came as news to Bailey. Scott also said the three
Cabinet officers concurred in his decision which came as news to them.
Finally, Scott conceded the matter could have been handled better, the closest
he has come to admitting a mistake in office.
Scott sometimes tells audiences of his poor roots how he started school in public
housing, how his trucker father got laid off just before Christmas some years, how he
started a small doughnut business when he got out of the Navy. He and his wife of 43
years, Ann Scott, saved and invested over the years and Scott co-founded Columbia/
HCA Hospitals.
on the party establishment and Scott hired some of the best available political
consultants to do the same in overtaking McCollum.
Atlanta-based consultant David Johnson, head of Strategic Vision LLC, said 2010
saw a change within the Republican Party. Anti-establishment Republicans captured the GOP nominations for various offices in several states. In addition to Rubio, outsiders such as Sens. Ted Cruz in Texas and Rand Paul in Kentucky were elected that year and are trying to out-outsider Donald Trump for the presidential nomination now.
He represents where the Republican Party is going, with the rise of anti-establishment candidates, Johnson said of Scott. Before it is all over, he could be the
partys most successful anti-establishment candidate ever.
Although he was upside-down in polls through most of his first term rated the
nations least-popular, most-vulnerable governor at one point Scott defeated Crist,
now a Democrat, for a second term. He cant run for a third, but Scotts Lets Get to
Work campaign committee has collected about $4 million in 2015 more than any
other candidates political fund and he is widely expected to use it in a bid for the
U.S. Senate in 2018.
Sen. Bill Nelson, the last Democrat remaining in statewide office in Florida, will
be ending his third term in Washington that year. Nelson will be 76 middle age by
congressional standards and probably far more formidable than any Democrat
Scott has faced before.
Florida State University public-administration professor Lance deHaven-Smith
said Scott could be a strong candidate for the Senate in 2018.
Hes kind of shaken the bad image that he had, initially, when he first started, he
said. Hes doing a good job now and there hasnt been much controversy or corruption in his administration at least, not since he fired the FDLE commissioner.
Bill Cotterell has covered Floridas Capitol for 45 years. His Capital Curmudgeon
column appears in the Tallahassee Democrat twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Email him at bcotterell@tallahassee.com
The international hospital chain paid $1.8 billion in federal fraud penalties, but
Scott was not criminally charged in the case. He left the company with a vast fortune
and continued investing in health care businesses as well as a Conservatives for
Patients Rights campaign against Obamacare in the early days of the Obama administration.
That led Scott into politics, starting at the very pinnacle of state government. The
unknown Naples business executive picked just the right time for it.
Unknown former House speaker Marco Rubio was inching upward in a tortoiseand-hare Republican race against Gov. Charlie Crist in the U.S. Senate campaign
winning straw ballots at county GOP conclaves while the well-financed Crist counted
CAPITAL IMPACT SESSION 2016 5
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Blue or red?
An early call on
which party will
win in November
Jon M. Ausman
CAPITAL IMPACT CONTRIBUTOR
Gadsden/Leon
9 Other Counties
2000
27,333
6,391
2004
40,634
14,162
2008
44,813
21,732
2012
44,216
22,604
As the trend shows, there has been a sharp increase in the Democratic net votes in Gadsden/Leon
but an even stronger Republican net gain in the other
nine nine counties.
To see this visually on the facing page is a chart for
Calhoun County. The trend in Calhoun can also be
seen in Franklin, Gulf, Jackson, Liberty, Taylor and
Wakulla counties.
The red line in the table shows the percent Democratic vote for the entire State of Florida while the
blue line shows the percent Democratic vote for only
Calhoun County. The chart for all the counties are
available in the online edition of the Tallahassee Democrat at tallahassee.com
After Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in
1980 there was a sizable drop in the Democratic vote
in 1984 in these seven counties. A much weaker, but
discernible decline, can be seen in Jefferson and
Madison counties.
Michael Dukakis, the Democratic nominee in 1988,
pulled out of Florida more than a month before the
general election that George H. W. Bush won. The Bill
Clinton campaigns in 1992 and 1996 stabilized or reversed the Democratic decline. The 2004, 2008 and
2012 elections saw strong net gains for the Republican
presidential nominee.
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Continued from Previous Page
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
The art of
politics
KATI SCHARDL CAPITAL IMPACT CONTRIBUTOR
27th state.
DEMOCRAT FILES
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
Murals from Tarpon Springs artist Christopher Still in the House of Representatives chambers depict Florida history.
Continued from Previous Page
Sculptor Hugh Bradford Nicholsons gleaming cast stainless-steel and aluminum dolphins leap and frolic above the Florida Heritage Fountain as the centerpiece of Waller Park on the west side of the Capitol building. The sculpture,
which celebrates Florida wildlife, was dedicated in 2003 and was funded by the
Anheuser-Busch Foundation through the vision of Susie Busch-Transou.
For more than three decades, pop art legend James Rosenquist has called
the village of Aripeka in Hernando County home. Rosenquist, whose iconic
masterpiece F-111 hangs in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, was commissioned by the Florida Legislature to create two murals for the new Capitol building. Completed and installed on the
west plaza level in 1978, the two Images of the Sunshine State portray recreation and industry in Florida. The enormous, colorful and slightly trippy works
draw art lovers from around the world as well as curious Floridians.
Tarpon Springs artist Christopher Still captured Florida history from the
first native peoples to the Space Age in a series of eight murals installed in
the House chamber in 2001. In 2003, he added two more murals depicting the
beauty and mystery of Floridas underwater springs and oceans. The panoramic works include optical illusions, hidden images and 3-D effects. Organized
groups primarily schoolchildren can tour the chamber, according to Mikey Chmielewski, the House civics coordinator, and reporters and visitors can
catch glimpses of the works from the press and public galleries. But the murals
were created primarily to surround the 120 representatives who work in the
chamber with reminders of that for which they toil.
Not only can you get a glorious panoramic view of Tallahassee (and, on exceptionally clear days, the coast) on the top floor of the Capitol building, you
can also admire the works of Florida artists featured in exhibits in the gallery
housed there. Overseen by the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, the gallery
has featured exhibits by such noted Florida artists as Richard Bickel, Romero
Britto and Xavier Cortada. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Visit http://dos.myflorida.com/cultural/news-and-events/exhibitioncalendar/ to find out whats currently on view.
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
James Rosenquists two Images of the Sunshine State murals at the Capitol buildings entrance portray recreation and industry in Florida.
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
Sculptor Hugh Bradford Nicholsons cast stainless-steel and aluminum dolphins at the
Florida Heritage Fountain in Waller Park are on the west side of the Capitol building.
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Session Soundtrack
Our playlist for a divided state Legislature
GANNETT
Clockwise
from top left:
Elvis Presley,
Dixie Chicks,
Simon &
Garfunkel,
The Beach
Boys
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Politics
on the
menu
A guide to places where
business is done over
lunch or after hours
RYAN DAILEY CAPITAL IMPACT WRITER
DEMOCRAT FILES
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
DEMOCRAT FILES
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Continued from Previous Page
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
101 Restaurant's crab cakes, sauteed jumbo lump crab cakes served with tropical pineapple mango salsa.
His passion for food comes through when discussing some of the new menu options.
The salmon has been phenomenal; we feature a
parmesan-crusted cedar planked salmon. Another
item I think will be popular during session will be
the Tomahawk steak: a 36 oz. bone-in steak served
for two, which comes with rosemary fingerling potatoes and corn on the cob.
Another point of bragging for 101 is their domination of the Rotary Clubs Mac N Cheese Throwdown, with their mac taking home first place for its
homemade sauce topped with Florida local rock
shrimp. Pair some of these options with an impressive wine selection that includes bottles from Chile,
Napa Valley, and Oregon.
Those heading over from the Capitol looking for
a quick lunch will enjoy the $8.99 special business
lunch that boasts 20 items on the menu.
We pride ourselves on being a really fast place
you can come in and have a great lunch, Bruner
said.
A leisurely dinner at 101 is a great precursor to a
happy hour or night out at Mint Lounge next door.
Bruner said that martinis have always been a
specialty at 101. The signature chocolate martini
has been getting rave reviews. The restaurant also
has moved into the beer market, carrying a number
of local beers.
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Capitol
mysteries
Discover the hidden chapel, bathroom and
sixth floor on a behind-the-scenes tour
JEFF BURLEW CAPITAL IMPACT WRITER
The 22nd floor of the Capitol with a view of the city of Tallahassee and beyond.
GETTY IMAGES
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Continued from Previous Page
The Capitol building has a chapel on the first floor, tucked away behind the elevators.
JEFF BURLEW/DEMOCRAT
JOE RONDONE?DEMOCRAT
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
JOE RONDONE/DEMOCRAT
TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Storytellers
A collection of untold and oft-told tales
from retirees, longtime capital watchers
Bill
Cotterell
The incredible
shrink-ing legislature
STATE ARCHIVES
OF FLORIDA
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Continued from Previous Page
DEMOCRAT FILES
Past Govs. Reubin Askew (second from left) and Wayne Mixon (third from left), as well as past Florida Agriculture Commissioner
Doyle Conner (right) listen to past Florida Speaker of the House and Senate President Mallory Horne tell stories of his days
working with former Florida Lt. Gov Tom Adams during a memorial service in the Florida Senate Chambers.
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
Continued from Previous Page
C A P I TA L I M PA C T
THE PEOPLE
BEHIND THE
POWER BROKERS
JAMES CALL CAPITAL IMPACT WRITER
hey are the gatekeepers. They are hard to get past to see the lawmakers if you show up unannounced.
The 160 Florida legislators may set up their office staff differently, but one constant is that district
aides and legislative assistants know the members calendar and when a brief meeting can be shoehorned into an over-scheduled calendar.
Right now, I have 28 meeting requests for the first week, said Jason Welty, a legislative aide for
Sen. Rob Bradley, a week before Christmas and three weeks before the Jan. 12 start of the annual
legislative session.
Welty said given Bradleys role as chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee it will be difficult for him to schedule 15 of the requests to meet with the senator. He said the best way for a citizen to
get a lawmakers ear is to get a meeting in the district when the Legislature is not in session.
Of course, thats when all the fun is not happening in Tallahassee. When a lawmaker is in Tallahassee during session then a citizen
has to work through a legislative staffer to get a face-to-face meeting. The first contact is made usually with the district aide, the
lawmakers point person for communicating with the public through phone calls, letters and drop-ins.
The district aide will route the request to the appropriate legislative aide, the point person for specific topics.
Were usually in constant communication with the members and take many of the meetings because they cant take them all, said
Welty.
To help you connect with your elected officials, weve created this handy directory using information from LobbyTools, lawmaker
websites and by working the phones.
What follows is our guide to lawmakers and the men and women who put the move and shake in the movers and shakers.
FLORIDA CAPITOL EARLY SESSION SCHEDULE -- F IND THE FULL SCHEDULE ONLINE AT TALLAHASSEE.COM
JANUARY
Tues. Jan. 12
Florida National Guard, Department of Military Affairs: 8 a.m.
4 p.m. Courtyard & Rotunda
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: Bringing America Back. A
prayer rally with a speaker and musician. Noon 1 p.m. Front Steps
of Historic Capitol
Florida Senate: Opening Day of Session Lunch for Senators and
their families. 8 a.m. 4 p.m. 22nd Floor
Pace Assembly Ministries Crossroad Outreach, Inc.: The
People of The Cross traveling exhibition. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Front
Steps of Historic Capitol
Wed. Jan. 13
Florida Realtors: Realtor Legislative Day. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Rotunda
Palm Beach County Public Affairs: Palm Beach County Day
Exhibits shows you the best of Palm Beach County. Come by and get
your free Know Your Legislators guides. 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Rotunda
& 22nd Floor
Florida Trucking Association with Florida Highway Patrol,
FDOT, Florida AgLaw: Florida Trucking Day at the Capitol includes
three big rigs parked in the Capitol Courtyard. 8 a.m. 4 p.m.
Courtyard
Consortium of Florida Education Foundations: The CFEF hosts a
reception with Florida Department of Education. 5-7 p.m. 22nd Floor
Thurs. Jan. 14
State Representative Charles Van Zant and the General
Aviation Caucus: Meeting of general aviation discussion of HB
4039. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 22nd Floor
Children of Inmates, Inc.: Children of Inmates will be celebrating
the contributions of its Superheroes in the legislature and Florida
Department of Corrections. 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Rotunda
Florida Education Association: Rally to support public school
students, teachers and education employees. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Courtyard
Tues. Jan. 19
Florida Polytechnic University: This will be a group photo of our
students. 8:10 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Front Steps of Historic Capitol
Florida Gulf Coast University: 2016 FGCU Day at the Capitol.
Academic displays in the Rotunda. 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Rotunda
Florida Nurses Association: Advocacy and Awareness Guest
Speakers during luncheon. 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 22nd Floor
Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership:
Welcome
Continued from Page 2
Its not as if they never do anything constructive. In the last few years they
passed laws allowing the sale of beer growlers, and they forced state and local
governments to buy American flags made only in America.
Hey, and they outlawed bestiality. Progress!
And legislators do enliven the local economy from dry cleaners to barkeeps,
restaurateurs to hoteliers, florists to escort services. Associated Industries of
Florida threw another pre-session party at their plantation-style HQ for at least
2,000 of their best friends, spending enough cash on shrimp, crepes, canapes,
cocktails, centerpieces, ice sculptures, salmon, chocolate truffles, tiny cheesecakes, tiny decorative lights, huge cheese trays, grapes, waiters, mixologists, minions, fireaters, dancing girls, and trained animals to keep a small Balkan nation
afloat for a year.
Apparently, having the legislature in town is worth $2 million a week. Were
grateful, really we are, even if we wish lawmakers would shut up about how you
hate the weather. Its called having seasons.
Like I said earlier, most Tallahasseeans are too nice to criticize the Legislature
out loud. Plus, were scared of getting fired from our state jobs. So though our ears
ring with the sound of members bellowing at their lobbyist patrons (I mean, pals)
from the balcony of the Governors Club, and we can never get a table at Cypress
or Avenue because legislators are in there snarfing ribeyes and grouper, and we
nearly get run over on Park Avenue by posses of demented Uber drivers chauffeuring senators home after a night at Clydes, we wont hate on our annual guests.
We will put up with their eccentricities. We will be tolerant. After all, most of them
havent had our advantages. Seasons. Two-lane roads. And camellias.
Diane Roberts is a longtime humor columnist and commentator on Florida politics whose work has appeared in the Florida Flambeau, the Tampa Bay Times, and
the New York Times. Her most recent book is Tribal: College Football and the Secret Heart of America.
32 SESSION 2016 CAPITAL IMPACT