“Do they always do it while their legislatures are in session, or while a portion of their state is undergoing an emergency (i.e. flooding and gas shortages in South Florida)?”
They often go on these types of trips while the legislature is in session, since they are not part of the legislature. The job of the governor is to sign or veto the legislation once passed, and if any lobbying is necessary, that can be usually be done via phone, video chat, etc. And since Desanti has a GOP supermajority in the legislature, not much lobbying should be necessary.
As far as the flooding and shortages, any competent governor should be able to monitor the response from anywhere. The governor is not going to be driving gas trucks or utility trucks. This is just a red herring, trying to find something to complain about to tear Desantis down.
Another thing to consider is that these types of trips are usually planned weeks or months in advance. Unless the situation in Ft. Lauderdale required his personal appearance on-site, as long as the wheels of the government response are turning, there is no reason to cancel the trip.
“They often go on these types of trips while the legislature is in session, since they are not part of the legislature. The job of the governor is to sign or veto the legislation once passed,.”
Well at least you’re acknowledging that much of DeSantis successes are due to the actions of the legislature. And yet a good executive plays a role in the legislative process, but DeSantis is running on automatic pilot, so in that regard, you’re correct in saying that his absence will have little effect on any legislation that reaches his desk.
“As far as the flooding and shortages, any competent governor should be able to monitor the response from anywhere.”
Any competent manager wants to be onsite to visit an emergency. It’s the only way you learn the full story of what’s really happening on the ground.
“Another thing to consider is that these types of trips are usually planned weeks or months in advance.”
Then cancel it.