BusinessForce, the region’s
largest pro-business political action committee, has announced more regional
legislative delegation endorsements for the November general election. Receiving
enthusiastic endorsements based on their pro-business records and platforms
were Rep. Bob Allen (Dist. 32 – Orange), Sandy Adams (Dist. 33 – Orange
and Seminole), Rep. David Mealor (Dist. 34 – Seminole), Rep. Jim Kallinger
(Dist. 35 – Orange), Sheri McInvale (Dist. 36 – Orange), Rep. David Simmons
(Dist. 37 – Orange and Seminole), Rep. Fred Brummer (Dist. 38 – Orange), Rep.
Andy Gardiner (Dist. 40 – Orange), Rep. Randy Johnson (Dist. 41 – Orange and
Osceola), and Rep. Frank Attkisson (Dist. 79 – Osceola).
Also receiving an endorsement
was Democrat Bruce Antone, the winner of the hotly contested
House District 39 primary contest.
BusinessForce is still
weighing possible general election endorsements in the District 19 Senate
race pitting Democratic Rep. Gary Siplin against his Republican
challenger, former Rep. Tony Suarez and in House District 49
where Democrat Jose Fernandez, endorsed by BusinessForce in the primary,
now faces Republican John Quinones…………
The 24th Congressional
District bid by House Speaker Tom Feeney received a major boost
from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans at the recent special
Chamber luncheon attended by Regional Chamber of Commerce and business leaders
in recognition of his endorsement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Also heralding
his endorsement were Orange County Chairman Rich Crotty and
Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood, who were joined at the head table
by Seminole County Legislative Delegation Chairman Rep. David Simmons
and Brevard County Chairman Truman Scarborough. Secretary Evans
also spoke during the luncheon on the current state of the nation’s economy
which he saw “rebounding and fundamentally sound”………………
The Florida Chamber of
Commerce has joined the Coalition to Protect Florida’s Future,
which represents a growing list of leading business organizations and respected
Floridians weighing in on opposition to the proposed Class Size Constitutional
Amendment estimated to cost Florida taxpayers $27.5 billion over the
next eight years. In announcing its opposition, the Florida Chamber called
the proposal “wrong for Florida schools” and declared it would have a “costly,
long-term and devastating effect” on Florida’s budget and families……………….
Plans are in full swing
for the region’s largest political gathering, the Akerman
Senterfitt/Sprint Regional HobNob on October 10 in Loch Haven Park.
A host of regional and state political candidates and office holders led by
Gov. Jeb Bush will be on hand. The governor’s special appearance
will follow his appearance at the dedication of the Florida A&M Law School.
Meanwhile, his Democratic rival, Bill McBride, has sent his
HobNob regrets………………
The Chairman’s Transportation
Commission, headed by former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick
and on which Chamber 2002 Chair Lonnie Bell, Chamber President
Jacob Stuart and a number of past and present Chamber Board
of Governors members serve, kicked off its first work session on September
25. The panel will meet weekly and receive community input until December
18 when it will deliver its recommendations in a final report to be presented
by Chairman Rich Crotty to the Orange County Commission on January
7, 2003. Already the commission has received testimony from state and local
officials pointing out that the county’s critical transportation needs are
far outpacing revenues to fund improvements.
Mike Ketchum is Vice President
of Public Policy for the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.
