Another legislative season is in full swing in Tallahassee. I have been there twice this session lobbying for Stuart and all Florida cities with the Treasure Coast League of Cities Advocacy Team. Once you are there, you go from legislative office to office pleading your case with either a legislative aid or, if fortunate, the representative or senator directly. It is easy to become lost in the maze of corridors and interconnected buildings that make up the capital complex. Somehow, we made it to every appointment on time.
Why is it necessary to go to the state capital to see our representatives instead of just e-mailing, telephoning or even seeing them when they are home? We do all of that but it is important to make our case while they are actually considering legislation that will have a direct impact on our city. Just as you and I cannot think of all the ramifications of a particular piece of legislation, neither can they. The objective of our visit is to make sure that our point of view is heard before a vote is taken.
Too often a local problem that is unique to one place becomes the basis of far reaching legislation for the entire state that may adversely affect Stuart or Martin County where that unique problem just doesn’t exist. Another reason is that anytime that Tallahassee passes a law making the localities do something without providing the funding, we may have to raise taxes to comply. The same can occur when the state gives another property tax exemption or does away with a fee that we currently are collecting. In each case, local government could be forced to raise taxes to cover the shortfall sometimes affecting the very people that can least afford it.
In the past, the legislature and governor have enacted legislation which pre-empts local government from prohibiting or regulating certain businesses or industries. For example, Tallahassee has prohibited localities from regulating vacation homes or apartments. How would you like to live next door to a place that changes occupants daily? Sober Homes are another good example of the federal and state governments trying to help people but the law of unintended consequences has resulted not in treatment facilities but rather with warehouses for people with serious problems located in our residential neighborhoods.
That is why I go to Tallahassee to preserve our rights to Home Rule. The best form of government results when it is as close to the citizens as possible. Nothing is closer than I to you. Seeing me is no rare occurrence because I am your neighbor, your customer and your friend. We share many of the same concerns, have many of the same problems and live next to each other. I go to Tallahassee to represent your interest just as I do on the city commission.