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Civic activism is a constitutional right
Florida,
for more reasons than one, is known as the Sunshine State. The voters of
Florida have set up statutorily and constitutionally a "can-be" lengthy
procedure that allows the public and government to provide input and
challenge proposals they disagree with.
The state of Florida, and
rightfully so from my point of view, is proud of the public input
process; and, very strict in the enforcement of making sure this policy
is adhered to.
Florida's
commitment to the Sunshine and Public Records laws is well known. From
my experience as a commissioner, the quickest way to have a project
stopped in its tracks is to not have strictly documented advertised
meetings and welcomed with open arms public input. And even then, if a
group or groups "protesteth" to the appropriate agency or governor,
there is a better-than-good chance it's coming back to the drawing
board.
Government in the
Sunshine is intended to embrace all Floridians, both within and outside
government, in understanding the requirements of open meetings and open
records laws. And, no matter what side of an issue you may be on, the
procedure can be a time and financial nightmare when challenged by an
appellant. However, that's the cost of doing business in Florida. It
truly exemplifies the old adage, "depends on who's ox is being gored" as
to whether you like this constitutionally protected process made
available to the public. And as elected officials of the state of
Florida,
we take an oath of office to defend those constitutionally given rights
so help us God.
When I hear and see
newspaper quotes, attributed to my colleagues, referring to those
Floridians who seek other opinions through a constitutionally protected
process as "obstructionists," it must mean [my colleagues] can't accept
people having differing opinions or just don't understand constitutional
rights; either answer is sad testimony.
George Neugent
Monroe
County
Commissioner |
