Thank you for writing to Governor Bush and expressing interest in the well-being of Terri Schindler Schiavo. He has asked me to respond on his behalf. The Governor is very concerned about Terri, and his thoughts and prayers are with the Schindler family.
The Governor, more than any other state official, has a responsibility to ensure that the laws be faithfully executed and to give a voice to the citizens of the state. It is because of these dual responsibilities that the Governor felt compelled to write a letter to the circuit court judge expressing an opinion on this difficult matter and to file an amicus brief to accompany the Schindlers' federal lawsuit. The Governor is disappointed by the decisions made by the state and federal courts in these cases.
However, the Florida Constitution prevents the Governor from acting further. Florida law gives the courts, not the Governor, authority over guardianships. For that reason, despite his great concern for Terri's life, the Governor has no power to intervene further.
Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
Lauren O'Connor
Office of Citizens' Services
Did you read the last paragraph?