Do the political parties possess a philosophy any longer? Except in a flash of rhetorical oration, I don’t think they really do. Once elected and in control, whether Republican or Democrat, they do the bidding of the people filling their campaign coffers. One prime example is the Florida legislature.

I thought Republicans were for small government and local control.  And, I thought that meant the more than could be decided by the people and through their county and municipal elected bodies the better. Laws are best passed by those that are closest to the citizens they represent. For some reason, this principle of Republican thought has not guided our so-called Republican legislators.

Senate Bill 1464 and House Bill 703 want to take away local control in land and water use. Then the big developers and farm interest need not bother with our county and city commissions. These so called Republican legislators want to give their friends in high places the ability to achieve what they can’t achieve locally. This is not the Republican way or philosophy.

This is not a matter of whether you are pro- or anti-development. This goes to the very essence of the power of the people through their local commissions to control their destiny. It is not only the complete opposite of Republicanism, it is undemocratic. If these bills pass and the governor signs them, then what is the point of electing (or even being) a Republican?

Joe Negron has said he will not vote for these bills. Representatives Harrell and Magyar must follow suit, along with Governor Scott, and reject this legislation. This pre-emption of local control of its own destiny is kowtowing to special interest. I, for one, will hold these legislators and governor accountable in November. If former Governor Chris is all things evil because of his lack of philosophy, then are these people any better?