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Keep up with issues and your lawmakers

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published March 13, 2007

The 2007 session of the Florida Legislature is under way. With a new governor in the Capitol, lingering dissatisfaction with homeowners insurance premiums and proposals to alter the way Floridians pay taxes, this session promises to be one of change and consequence.

Citrus County residents have never been shy about telling elected officials what is on their minds. Holding lawmakers accountable for the votes they cast and the laws they introduce is a testament to residents' willingness to involve themselves in the government they pay for and rely on to protect, serve and promote prosperity. But residents who don't follow the issues and monitor the decisions made by their legislators put themselves at a definite disadvantage. After all, it is difficult to convey your opinions if you have not taken the time to familiarize yourself with the proposals. And it is a given that lawmakers are compelled to deal more forthrightly with constituents who have done their homework, because it makes it more difficult for them to sidestep or double-talk their way around the issues.

Much of the information needed to stay abreast of the people who write or otherwise influence the outcome of legislation can be gleaned from newspapers and other media outlets. But if you wish to track legislation or legislators on your own, and not rely on the interpretations or analyses of others, the following information will be useful. It will be reprinted occasionally on this page as the two-month legislative session progresses.

Remember: If you don't tell lawmakers what you think, they will try to think for you.

CITRUS county legislative delegation

Mike Fasano, state senator District 11 R: 8217 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey, FL 34653-3111; (727) 848-5885 or toll-free 1-800-948-5885; Senate Office Building, Room 302, 404 S Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100; (850) 487-5062 or e-mail to fasano.mike.web@fl senate.gov.

Nancy Argenziano, state senator District 3 (R): 1120 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429; (352) 860-5175; toll-free 1-866-538-2831; Senate Office Building, Room 311, 404 S Monroe St. ,Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100; (850) 487-5017 or e-mail to argenziano.nancy.web@fl senate.gov.

ELECTED STATE OFFICIALS:

Write to the following people at: The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Charlie Crist, governor (R): (850) 488-7146; fax (850) 487-0801; e-mail: Charlie.Crist@my florida.com.

Kurt S. Browning, secretary of state (R): (850) 245-6500.

Charles Bronson, commissioner of agriculture (R): (850) 488-3022 or e-mail to commissioner@doacs.state.fl.us.

Alex Sink, chief financial officer (D): Florida Department of Financial Services, 200 E Gaines St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0300; (850) 413-3100.

[Last modified March 12, 2007, 21:26:47]