The following was posted in the comments section of the linked editorial below. I could not have said it better myself.
sumpintudu wrote:
Differing in reasoning, but the same conclusion I reached after Pat Rice's column my comment to which I include below:
I'll be in the minority here, but I believe Ray should not resign. The committee process in Tallahassee should play itself out. There are a number of reasons for this. 1) the committee will be meeting soon to conduct its hearings. 2) the results of those hearings will become part of House precedent for all future Houses and all future presiding officers. They will not be just the opinion of counsel. 3) Part of the results will have to be a ruling on what budget Turkeys (pork) are acceptable and what are not. Like it or no Turkeys for leadership have been a part of Florida budgets since forever. Ever been across Bo's Bridge or to the (WD Childers) Pensacola Civic Center or the (Allan Bense) flyover at Thomas Drive in Panama City, or to the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Quincy or the Panama City Campus of UWF or the Mattie Kelly Arts center or its twin on the campus of UWF? Budget Turkeys every one. And the list is a lot longer -- and extends over the entire state. 4) Ray resigning now would force a special election for his seat. It would be the only race on the ballot but would have to be a full dress election. That is expensive, and unecessary. In his present situation he can do neither harm nor good; he can't, in the parlance of the Capitol, "pass gas" now. It isn't like the Sheriff where an "interim" can be appointed. 5) Most everone commenting claims to be for term limits. If a special election is held the winner will serve less than 24 months. Under the term limit formula that will permit the winner to serve in excess of the Constitutionally prescribed 8 years. She or he will be eligible to serve over 9 years -- and incumbents rarely get beaten. 6) and this one is my own thought -- he has lost everything by being a stooge for Darth Richburg who believed he could re-do his famous Bo Johnson deal (that brought the MK Arts Center) from years ago. Darth Richburg did not notice that the times had changed, and, finally, 7) never use e-mail. Pick up you personal cell phone and call.
7/6/2009 10:09 AM CDT
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