At yesterday's special meeting of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners three high-priority legislative "asks" of our state delegation were solidified and memorialized.
1. Pushing to complete the FDOT Work Plan (to include the high-priority Beulah Interchange-which multiple commissioners voiced as a top priority for the county)
2. $2.5 Million in funding for a lift station at OLF-8
3. Reform in the residential property insurance market in the state of Florida (also the main topic of the upcoming special session of the legislature in Tallahassee in early December)
While numerous worthwhile issues and topics were discussed--these three rose to the surface for being the ones most important. The running consensus is that giving more than three big priorities muddies the water and limits the chances of any getting over the line to receive apropriations from the state.
This was also an interesting segment. It gave commissioners a chance to brainstorm and discuss ideas although just narrowed down to 3 priorities.
ReplyDeleteSo now, D2 figure how to beautify the gate, and of course the jail discussion is a can of worms.
Good idea about getting refund for state prisoners, Commissioner Bergosh, that seems doable.
Expanding the size of the jail? ... Well that's a big lift, and as usual May has his ideas to prevent incarceration.
Also I don't think we can use State dollars to expand a county jail. New commissioner has lots to learn. Brown would have known this and could go to the new head of the appropriations committee for the 5 year work plan.
ReplyDeleteI remember Bender sat in the chambers for many meetings prior to his first election, studying the budget process.
Hopefully 2 guys with military backgrounds get on a fast learning curve. That first meeting was a mess for the new guy.
There are benefits to having a candidate with public service background and education. Elections have consequences.