Opinion: A little maturity required

Somebody needs a spanking, but it's not over football this time. Now that Florida's Capitol Police are finally in a professional command, the improved security is too much for Speaker Tom Feeney and some other spoiled darlings in the House of Representatives.

Having blocked a Senate-passed bill formally moving the Capitol Police to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a House committee proposes instead a special commission representing the governor, Cabinet, Supreme Court and -- guess who? -- the Legislature. In a letter to FDLE Director Tim Moore, Feeney suggested he acquire "an understanding of the unique needs and requirements of the Legislature." Rep. Gaston Cantens, R-Miami, complains that "security is being done to us and not for us."

Here's what they mean: Legislators should be waved through security checkpoints while mere citizens wait. If they or their staffs want to leave their cars in the Capitol garage late into the night or the next morning, the police should accommodate them regardless of the cost. Most of all, the cops should be especially deferential after hours when lawmakers come lurching back, their bellies full of lobbyists' booze, from the Governor's Club, Clyde's or Cafe Cabernet. As for Cantens, the subtext is that he's running for speaker and wants to show the members he's for them.

If there were any substance to the complaints, senators would be sounding off, too. But of course senators tend to be more mature.

It is long overdue to move the 157-member force to the FDLE from the Department of Management Services, where it reeked of patronage. Gov. Jeb Bush accomplished the transfer administratively the day after the terrorists struck New York and Washington, but the police still technically work for the political department. The move to the Department of Law Enforcement needs to be confirmed by law, as it surely will be once the leaders of the House realize that it's time for them to grow up.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright