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Crist Says He Will 'Fight For Florida'

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI

cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: December 14, 2008

Gov. Charlie Crist reflected this week in an interview with The Tampa Tribune on current controversies, the highs and lows of 2008 and what lies ahead in 2009.

You're taking heat right now for the $430,000 cost of your 12-day European trade mission last summer. In hindsight, do you feel that you spent too much?

"No."

Why?

"Because of the benefits to our state. I just think it's so important to continue to fight for Florida, and encourage trade, provide new jobs, economic stimulation, develop relationships - I just think it's too important to our state. People have a right to criticize, and I'm fine with that."

Could you have spent less and still accomplished what you wanted?

"I don't know."

Rep. Ray Sansom funneled $25 million to Northwest Florida State College this year, then landed an unadvertised, $110,000-a-year job at the school on the day he became House Speaker. You've refrained from criticizing the speaker - but does this pass the smell test?

"I have great confidence in the speaker and his integrity. I realize that sometimes in public life, things can not appear as they actually are. Because I have confidence in his integrity, I am not critical."

You mean that the reports may not reflect the truth?

"It looks like people are reaching conclusions. And I don't know if that's fair."

What were the brightest and darkest spots for you in 2008?

"There hasn't been a dark spot, except for this challenging economy. I wouldn't call it dark - I would call it cloudy. But the bright spot is the opportunity to serve these almost 20 million people that call Florida home..."

Can you be more specific?

"Well, I'll mention Carole of course, and getting married this week. But from a policy point of view, the acquisition of the land to restore the Everglades - knock on wood, we're not there yet, but I think we're very close. I'm excited about that."

Economically, times are only getting tougher for Florida. Do you still think it's the right time for the $1.34-billion Everglades purchase?

"I do."

What will your legislative priorities be in 2009?

"No. 1, the budget - obviously, because of the economy - and the continuing challenge of being able to provide services to people, especially the most vulnerable among us. I think the greatest challenge is being able to do that, and being able to do so while living within our means and balance the budget, as is constitutionally required...

"But in addition to that, the other priorities continue - the environment, the economy, public safety. I would characterize it as trying to continue to improve the quality of life that Floridians enjoy.'

Are you going to be lobbying hard to pass the tougher emissions standard that you proposed and the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission approved this month, but still needs ratification by lawmakers?

"I am. I think that's very important to Floridians' future, to fighting global warming and protecting the beauty that is Florida, our tourism industry, jobs and all the rest. So yes, I will."

In Florida, lawmakers will have to find more than $5 billion to plug shortfalls in the state budget this fiscal year and next. A $1 hike on the cigarette tax, which is believed to be worth $1 billion, has generated a lot of discussion. Would you support it?

"I don't favor it. I don't know if it's necessary yet. I'm not warm and fuzzy about it ... which is my general feeling about taking more from people. You know I've always felt that way - that government ought to live within its means, just as Floridians have to."

Are there any other sources of additional revenue that you would consider?

"From trust funds, and by possibly bonding instead of paying cash for some items. I don't think that contemplates what you were suggesting - not at the present point."

Survivors of the late Gov. Lawton Chiles are threatening to sue if you tap the $1.1-billion Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund - created to support services for children and seniors - to help plug the budget shortfall. Your response?

"I appreciate the input, on any issue, and I feel the same way about this one. Whether it would impact whether we use those funds - I don't think it matters. ... I think it's a viable option."

CSX's $649 million commuter rail plan for central Florida appears to be back on the fast track - at least in the Senate, where the project's supporters are now leading key committees. Will you get more aggressively involved this year to see the project through?

"It looks like there's fairly favorable review of it at this stage, in terms of transportation, less carbon emissions, things like that. I do support it; how much I'm going to have to really push, we'll have to wait and see."

What about the liability issue, which helped derail the project during last spring's legislative session? CSX has demanded that the state take liability for any accident involving a passenger train on the tracks.

"I think that can be worked out ... I'd like to see what the proposals are before I weigh in. Cleary though, if there's some injury, there ought to be a way to appropriately compensate the aggrieved party."

Will being a married family man change your outlook on Florida's needs and priorities?

"I think it will, probably in many ways. You know, I'm 52, so my views of Florida aren't going to change dramatically. I love this state, I love the people of Florida. I care deeply about her - and Carole. It just gives me another perspective about Florida. I love her input on many things and respect her intellect. That's very helpful to me, as a public servant."

Have you ruled out running for the Senate seat that Mel Martinez will be vacating in 2010?

"I'm thinking about two things over the next several weeks; that is not among them. It's Carole and Florida."

National leaders have been consumed this fall by corporate bailout plans - most recently, for the auto industry. You're a fiscal conservative; how do you feel about these pricey proposals?

"The idea of utilizing funds to accelerate infrastructure investment, I think is good. We've done it here. The notion, though, of bailing out these corporations is disturbing to me. How do you pick who the winners and losers are in that equation? How do you decide who's worthy and who's not worthy? It's people who are hurting. That's why I think the stimulus package ...gets resources to those who deserve it more."

It's true that a lot of people are hurting right now, and economic indicators suggest that things are only going to get worse in 2009. What's your message to Floridians?

"Remain hopeful. Many times, it can look pretty bleak right before it gets brighter again. And realize that we have a lot to be grateful for. The economy's in a difficult place, and some people are comparing what we're going through now to the Great Depression. But I think unemployment is 7 percent, thereabouts - in the Great Depression, it was 25 percent. So it's important to have perspective, and be aware that it's challenging and tough, but we'll get through it. And, I hope, sooner than later."

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