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Governor's unseemly fundraising
A Times Editorial
Published December 6, 2007
Gov. Charlie Crist says he will "campaign like the dickens" for the property tax amendment on next month's ballot, and his passion is to be admired. But the governor can't play the populist as he collects $1,000 checks in New York City and $1-million checks from Florida business interests. That is what is more commonly known as a political shakedown, and Crist should be above it.
The fight for and against Amendment 1 on Jan. 29 will no doubt be played out on the airwaves, where money is an essential ingredient to success. But Crist holds enormous regulatory power and influence over the businesses he is asking to pony up money. He puts himself in the same untenable position as that of House Speaker Marco Rubio. The speaker also is raising money for a ballot initiative on taxes, calling on lobbyists who will need his support for their bills to be heard in the spring. Both efforts look unseemly.
This is not to argue that Crist should remain silent. He speaks already from the state's biggest bully pulpit, and he can use that to great advantage in a cause that is important to him. He feels at home as he travels the state, and people tend to respond well to his personal style.
The complication here is the money. Crist already has loaned deputy chief of staff Arlene DiBenigno to the "Yes on 1" campaign, the Florida Republican Party has extensive resources to help, and the Florida Association of Realtors has thrown $1-million into the pot. That puts the campaign off to a running start, and the rest of the money needs to be raised by those who aren't in public office and positioned to grant favors or access to contributors.
Crist is pushing for Amendment 1 in part because he argues it will help homeowners who can't afford higher taxes when they move. But his claim to speak for the people is undermined when he flies to the Trump Tower to pocket thousands of dollars from New York business people or meets one-on-one with Florida lobbyists who feel pressure to oblige. Why would New York investors care about homestead taxes in Florida?
The same governor who stripped down his own inaugural celebration to avoid the image of elitism is now twisting arms in the world of big business. If he wants voters to approve property tax breaks, he would be better off finding a way to keep public schools from being hurt in the process. That might convince the people he is on their side.
[Last modified December 6, 2007, 01:39:11]
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