FL Governor Crist rejects all of Jeb Bush's picks for boards and commissions (283)

[seafan]

Crist rejects all of Bush's picks

By MARC CAPUTO
January 11, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - In an act of far-reaching political independence, Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday canceled the nominations of 283 people former Gov. Jeb Bush tapped to sit on numerous state boards and commissions that regulate everything from the environment to telephone bills.

''It's time for a fresh new start,'' said Crist, who campaigned last fall as both a steward of Bush's legacy and as the consumer-oriented ``people's governor.''

.....

''I want to honor the will of the people. We had an election,'' Crist said. ``People made a choice. They would like a fresh start and some new blood and we are going to give it to them.''

.....

The nominees whose appointments were canceled are a who's-who of Florida power brokers: former House Speaker Allan Bense, seeking a spot on Florida State University's trustee board; Isilio Arriaga, a former Venezuelan congressman and one-time Miami consultant who has voted for higher electric bills while on the PSC; Miami lobbyist Rodney Barreto, who chairs the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Urban League of Greater Miami leader T. Willard Fair; and Bush associate Phil Handy, who sits on the state's education board with Fair.

.....

Though it is true that previous governors have canceled appointments made by predecessors, it usually has happened when the new governor is from a different party.

.....

Though Crist campaigned to further Bush's programs and legacy, he showed early signs of independence on the campaign trail, when he declined to appear at a public event with the increasingly unpopular President Bush, irking White House advisors.

.....

[tanyev]

1. Oh, dear. Things will be mighty glum at the country club tonight.

:rofl:

[monarch]

2. Like your style! n/t

[wakeme2008]

3. IMHO Crist will be a good Dem gov.

:rofl:

[bullimiami]

5. i would settle for a moderate republican. surprisingly ive started to have a

tiny spark of hope for charlie.

[jackster]

6. I have to say I am cautiously

optimistic with Crist - he's made some good key appointments and decisions

[NotGivingUp]

4. Well, that sounds good.

[FlaGranny]

7. I never thought

I'd say it, but I think Crist will not be too bad. I actually like "some" of his ideas and it is very encouraging that he doesn't want Jeb's crew in there.

[monmouth]

9. I agree with all of you. Good for Charlie, could be a RINO....

[tinfoilinfor2005]

8. I belong to my local dem party here in Florida

and I remember (during the election) several dem officials talking about their disappointment that they weren't having any luck "outing" Crist for his homosexuality. There were a few people who had "dated" him, but no one would go on the record. I found this repugnant. We are supposed to be the party of inclusion and forward thinking, and yet politically, "anything goes." I salute Mr. Crist for his choices, and although I would have liked to see a dem in the governor's seat, these dirty tactics really turned me off.