State lawmakers directly challenged county officials on their effectiveness during a House subcommittee focusing on county board structures.
The group of County Commissioners representing municipalities across Florida defended their boards and argued in favor of home rule to decide what county board structure works best for them.
The debate was part of a growing conflict between local officials fighting for home rule against the state of Florida.
The discussion centered around whether county boards should be represented by at-large seats or be broken down by set districts.
“There are people in these counties, whether they’re a single-member district or at-large, that are questioning the process from this standpoint,” Rep. Chad Johnson[1], a Chiefland Republican, said during Wednesday’s House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee[2]. “That’s why we are, as state Representatives, getting those calls from your constituents that aren’t very happy.”
Polk County Commissioner Becky Troutman[3] fired back.
“Are people calling you if they’re upset? I’m sure they are,” she said. “But direct them back to their local leaders who will have that voice.”
Some state lawmakers expressed concern about county boards being divided by districts when facing a vote on a controversial issue, like where to build a landfill or jail.
“The county could be a very selfish system with a single-member district,” said Commissioner Jeff Holcomb[4], a Spring Hill Republican.
But Pinellas County Commissioner Dave Eggers[5] pointed out that state lawmakers represent their own district while still caring about the state of Florida.
“Don’t assume that good Commissioners don’t work hard for the entire county,” Eggers said. “Just remember that we admire the work that you’re doing and respect the work that you’re doing and I would hope so in return the same.”
Holcomb asked what happens to ineffective County Commissioners who aren’t representing their constituents in the district.
“They’re voted out,” Madison County Commissioner Ronnie Moore[6] said.
References
- ^ Chad Johnson (www.flhouse.gov)
- ^ House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (www.flhouse.gov)
- ^ Becky Troutman (www.polk-county.net)
- ^ Jeff Holcomb (www.flhouse.gov)
- ^ Dave Eggers (pinellas.gov)
- ^ Ronnie Moore (madisoncountyfl.com)