Monday, January 27, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott plays the Everglades fiddle: must be an election year … by gimleteye

The following press release from the Governor's Office last week is awful, given the track record. It is a wholesale re-writing of history.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Environmental Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s Commitment to the Everglades

Dan Kimball – U.S. Department of the Interior said, “I appreciate Governor Scott’s problem-solving approach as we continue to move ahead with our federal and state partnership, working together to achieve our restoration goals for Florida’s Everglades.”

Eric Eikenberg – Everglades Foundation said, “Governor Scott understands the importance of improving the Everglades ecosystem, which is evident not only with his water quality plan but also with his $130 million investment for improving America's Everglades.”

Pepe Fanjul, Jr. – Florida Crystals said, “There is no better testament of Gov. Scott’s leadership abilities than the fact he has been able to successfully kick-start Everglades restoration, including the financing and construction of important water projects."

Eric Draper – Audubon Florida said, “We are seeing real progress on the Everglades. Governor Scott deserves credit for following through on projects to get water clean and delivered to the natural system.”

Robert Coker – U.S. Sugar said, “Governor Scott’s budget recognizes the importance of working together to preserve, restore and maintain Florida’s Everglades and the communities it supports.”

Larry Kiker – Lee County Commission Chair said, "The Everglades restoration projects Governor Scott wants to fund in this year's budget will also help Southwest Florida by providing cleaner water down the Caloosahatchee River, the lifeblood of Lee County. I applaud the Governor's continued efforts to help Southwest Florida families."

Sarah Heard – Martin County Commission Chair said, "I applaud Governor Scott for his continued commitment to Everglades restoration and funding that will benefit the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. This is an important step on the journey to restoring the Everglades, which will help improve water quality in Martin County."

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I need a barf bag to finish reading this.

Geniusofdespair said...

I was going to say that. Nitwits the lot of them for green washing the Governor. Dan I am shocked

Youbetcha' said...

Is kimball retiring and running for office? I am shocked by him.

Anonymous said...

so bad. they're actions may help get Scott re-elected and then they'll (and everyone else) will pay the price. Why don't they just refuse to comment? the end result will be the same whether they comment or not. what's the matter with those enviro folks?

Anonymous said...

Last anon, I'm guessing there were checks written somewhere to the groups.

Anonymous said...

People: hello?? Do you think that money for Everglades restoration grows on trees? The Park Service has been trying to get federal money to build the next bridge for years, and Congress isn't giving it to them. This year, for the next $180 million bridge, Congress is giving them $7.5 million. If Rick Scott hadn't decided that he needs to look green for his reelection campaign, this project would be dead in the water. So, whatever you think about Rick Scott, don't be morons and criticize him for coming up with big dollars for the Everglades in this year's budget. All of the people that are quoted in the post understand this, which is why they are being gracious. Don't hate Rick Scott more than you love the Everglades.

Anonymous said...

Just the idea that Governor Rick Scott would call sugar barons "environmental leaders," says volumes about him.

Anonymous said...

Since when do Florida Crystals and U.S. Sugar count as "environmental leaders"?!?!

Anonymous said...

Such a shame that armchair political analysts don't really know how this game called politics is played.

Yes, everyone is saying nice thing about Gov Scott because they are getting money for Everglades Restoration. Do you really believe they are going to say "f-- you" and refuse the money they've been fighting years for?

You might hate your boss, but I'm pretty sure you don't complain when he hands you your paycheck.

Geniusofdespair said...

There is a way to frame what you say that does not give someone green cover and this did not happen. There was too much and quotes from too many people. Sometimes you have to hold your nose and take what you can get, but you don't have to celebrate it. After all, you have to have principles. it is more important than politics.