Politics

Crist pals around in Pasco

But he hears budget worries at a CARES event.

By DAVID DECAMP, Times Staff Writer
Published September 25, 2007

Governor Charlie Crist shakes hands as he walks in to speak to a soldout crowd of 600 guests at a CARES fundraiser dinner in New Port Richey.
	[David Degner | Times]

NEW PORT RICHEY - Gov. Charlie Crist came to Pasco County on Monday evening for the first time since he was elected last year. Yet the Spartan Manor ballroom could have been his living room.

He kept singling out people he knew: state senators and House members, county officials and state officials. Even his own appointees.

The verbal glad-handing took the first seven minutes of an 18-minute speech.

"I could go on and on and on," said Crist, who continued to address people by first name during his speech.

And he didn't even stay to eat.

The fundraiser for Community Aging & Retirement Services, better known as CARES, attracted an estimated crowd of 600, a ballroom full of notables including Secretary of State Kurt Browning, Pasco's former supervisor of elections.

CARES raised $140,000, said president and chief executive Billy Aycrigg. The event was co-chaired by state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, and Dr. Rao Musunuru.

CARES serves 1,500 people with in-home services and six senior centers in Pasco. It assists older people with everything from paying bills to taking baths in their homes.

Crist heralded its mission to "serve the people" as one he follows. He singled out Linda Paey, husband of Richard Paey, who was pardoned last week on a drug conviction for painkillers. During his hearing, Crist said he decided Paey should be free, and free that day.

He was.

"I've got to be careful what I say as governor because stuff happens," Crist said as Linda Paey's face gleamed from a table.

It was a speech punctuated with friendliness to the locals. For example:

"The first time I shot a deer ... was in Pasco County. And it was the last."

Crist, however, came as proposed cuts and changes for Medicaid programs have leaders of service agencies watching lawmakers' moves closely.

The Legislature is due to have a special session in October to act on a budget shortfall.

Crist has proposed cutting money for senior centers statewide by $2.7-million. The cut would not cause any programs to be stopped.

Noting fears of budget cuts, he simply told the crowd, "It'll all work out."

The state also has proposed moving more Medicaid related services for senior care to managed care companies. The proposed change could ultimately affect CARES operations.

Aycrigg said two-thirds of the agency's $5.2-million comes from Medicaid and state grants. Losing some of that money would cut CARES ability to provide the services, although it's uncertain how strong the threat is heading into the special session, Aycrigg said

"We're a relatively small player. We provide a lot of care, but our expertise is not lobbying," Aycrigg said before the event.

David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or 800 333-7505, ext. 6232.

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 06:52:00]