A Times Editorial

Bronson for Agriculture

Whatever Charles H. Bronson's shortcomings might be as the state's Agriculture commissioner, the relevant point for voters in the upcoming election is that his opponent, David Nelson, has done almost nothing to prove his competence for the job. Nelson, a 39-year-old teacher, has run a minimal campaign, and his victory in the Democratic primary appears to have been a fluke.

Bronson, 53, a rancher and former state senator, was appointed to the agriculture job last year and shows a command of the office's duties.

This is an important job. The full title of the office is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The commissioner directs some of the state's most important consumer protection programs. When it comes to agriculture, the second largest industry in the state, the commissioner has the contradictory duties of promoting and regulating it. And the commissioner is one of only three Cabinet members, so the postion carries clout on other political issues, as well.

We have some concerns about Bronson. He had a weak record on environmental protection in the Legislature, and the commissioner plays an important role in assuring that agricultural operations don't endanger the health of people and environment.

The department also manages state forests and protects endangered plant species. It helps implement water policies that try to balance agricultural and environmental needs.

Also, Bronson has made an unfortunate decision during this campaign, taking flights on airplanes owned by large agricultural interests. While Bronson points out that he has abided by the law, paying the companies for the tickets, he fails to acknowledge the appearance of a conflict-of-interest. It is not appropriate for an Agriculture commissioner to become too chummy with the people he regulates.

There are signs that Bronson takes his consumer-protection duties seriously. He said nearly half of his budget goes directly or indirectly to consumer programs. His department has made headlines recently cracking down on dance-studio scams and telemarketers. That is a good sign, and we encourage him to keep Florida at the forefront of consumer protection. Bronson is also passionate about his newly created duties as part of the homeland defense initiative against terrorism. His department is involved in checking the contents of trucks entering the state.

Nelson beat out two better known Democrats to challenge Bronson. But his victory has been attributed to two factors for which he can take no credit. Apparently, some voters connect his name to popular U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who is not related. And a political action group connected to the Republican Party and agriculture interests ran ads on behalf of Nelson during the primary, hoping to harm the candidacy of Mary Barley, a noted environmentalist who has battled the sugar industry over Everglades restoration.

The tactic could backfire. Early polls showed Nelson ahead of Bronson, although the incumbent has a lot of money to put into television ads and mailings late in the campaign.

Despite his surprise showing, there is no indication Nelson has a deep understanding of the issues or that he is running a credible campaign.

The Times recommends Charles H. Bronson for commissioner of Agriculture.

Opportunity to reply

The Times offers candidates not recommended by its Editorial Board an opportunity to reply. A reply in the Agriculture commissioner race should be sent in no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday to: Philip Gailey, editor of editorials, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. By e-mail: letters@sptimes.com (no attachments, please). By fax: (727) 893-8675; Replies are limited to 250 words.

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