Governor, minority legislators have talk

The meeting, called cordial by all, was the first one between Jeb Bush and black legislators in more than a year.

By SHELBY OPPEL

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 8, 2001

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Jeb Bush spent a cordial hour with eight black legislators in his Capitol office Wednesday, the first such meeting in more than a year.

In attendance was state Sen. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, one of two black lawmakers who staged a sit-in in Bush's office last January over the governor's plan to end affirmative action.

Bush's angry reaction -- instructing an aide to "kick their a---- out," though he said he was referring to news reporters -- helped draw 10,000 marchers to Tallahassee for a civil rights protest and put Bush on the defensive with a constituency he successfully courted during his 1998 campaign.

It was a different scene Wednesday. For just more than an hour, Bush and Lt. Gov. Frank Brogan listened and nodded while state Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami, the caucus chairwoman, listed about $150-million in projects that caucus members want included in the state budget this year.

Among them are $32-million for new law schools at historically black Florida A&M University and at Florida International University, $10-million for other needs at historically black schools, and $50-million to address disease treatment and prevention among minorities.

While caucus members know they won't get everything on their list, Wilson said they were happy just to be heard.

In the past, Wilson said, "there have been times when he has been extremely arrogant in his demeanor, and today that was missing."

Meek and state Sen. Les Miller, D-Tampa, were less enthusiastic.

But Miller, who recently completed two years as House Democratic leader, said it was an improvement over his last meeting with Bush. That was two years ago and lasted for two minutes, 30 seconds, Miller said.

"There were some real hard feelings when I walked in the door (Wednesday)," Miller said.

Meek said he would like an opportunity to debate Bush's policies, as well, but that the meeting served an important purpose.

"It's important we share with him the concerns of our constituents," Meek said.

Bush and Wilson had agreed to meet alone to discuss budget issues. When Wilson invited other caucus members, including state Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg, Bush did not object.

Asked about the pleasant tone of the meeting, Bush smiled.

"I'm not surprised," he said.

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