Posted on 01/03/2024 6:56:40 AM PST by Red Badger
Florida’s local governments have been hit with a wave of mass resignations as the state’s new laws regarding financial disclosures have come into effect.
The controversial new law requires officials to give a thorough report of their finances.
Local officials were previously required to fill out a less detailed form, Form 1.
Under the new rules, however, local officials are now required to report their net worth, assets, and liabilities in excess of $1,000, along with any business clients.
The reform has shaken up local politics, with many local officials choosing to resign rather than complete Form 6.
The law’s backers say it promotes transparency in local government.
Detractors, like ex-Eagle Lake Mayor Cory Coler, say the new requirements are invasive and will drive people away from serving.
Coler resigned as mayor last month over the new law.
“As much as I love my city and I do and as I love being able to serve the community, it put me at an impasse because that’s information I share with my spouse,” said Coler in December while stepping down.
“Not something I broadcast to my neighbors.
“Now people have information about you, they didn’t have before, and they might look at you differently because of how much you make or how much you have in the bank, which doesn’t affect the decision-making I do in a day in and day out basis that I do as a commissioner,” Coler said.
“When you’re talking about a city that’s 3,000 residents, there are not a lot of people willing to share up that information for people.”
Supporters of the financial disclosures, like state Rep. Spencer Roach (R-North Fort Myers), say transparency comes with the job.
“For someone who’s never done this form before, I mean, it could be a little bit of a learning curve, but I think largely those are excuses,” Roach said.
“Look, when you serve in public office, it’s an honor but it also comes with a higher level of transparency and public scrutiny than you would otherwise.
“And you know, to borrow an old adage — if you can’t take the heat, don’t come in the kitchen.”
A long list of state and local officials, from the governor down to tax collectors, sheriffs, and school board members, are already required to complete Form 6.
The reform passed the Republican state legislature with overwhelming support from both parties.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law in May.
While it’s understandable that small-town officials want their privacy, they are in a position of public trust, and that comes with certain expectations.
Exactly. All this does is ensure the only people that will serve are neomarxists on the government teat who aren't going to report their side gig of graft -- even under oath in front of a grand jury, much less violate their hood code of omerta; and are right now laughing themselves silly at the chronic inepitude of this shit-for-brains Governor and his White Boot Brigade.
If I had to mention how much I had in my checking, savings, 401K, and IRAs, plus had to mention my credit card balances, student loan balance, and mortgage balance, along with all my client list for my part time business, yes, I would find that onerous.
That is much easier and less problematic, publicly.
Well... bye.
Indeed ... I later included a link to the public website where completed and filed Form 6 can be perused.
From the article, the wave of resignations appears to consist of three politicians. Likely three corrupt politicians.
These are key positions of influence. This is a very small number of public employees.
I said something similar in 31. I think you made a few more points than I did.
Sometimes it is nobody’s business, especially the government, when someone wants to pick up a few dollars in private commerce.
You ARE a laugh. Thanks!
I agree. What we are seeing is a bunch of criminals-not-yet-caught in action trying to stay out of jail.
Part time officials with other careers, especially those in competitive fields liek real estate, are just opening themselves to their business rivals by giving this information. Lots of people in government in Florida are part timers. In fact, the members of the Florida House are supposed to be part time only as the salary is very small.
Furry is always good for a few LOLs.
“I’m not, why are you?
You are as well.
Unless your area has not placed it’s public records on line and that would be kind of unusual”.
Correct, sorry, I missed the “real”. Though my largest real estate holdings are in LLCs or a Trust w/family members which makes it harder to ascertain individual ownership value. Principal residence is only real property obviously in our names.
Not trying to hide anything, just would not like to lose everything we have built because some bozo decided to sue us when lightning struck him in our parking lot.
Blame the politicians, they wrote the laws we are just trying to live with them.
“Blame the politicians, they wrote the laws we are just trying to live with them.”
Politicians just part of the woodwork, that will never change. All my rentals are sold off now, though I am carrying two mortgages. I just want rural land (waiting and watching). But I’m just having fun, real estate “fun” makes money while giving me beautiful private places to recreate. The area I’m watching is about 25 minutes from home. I have 40 acres up there now, but it’s more of a hunting/hiking/view area, no water but has electric service, backs to 8,000 acres of BLM full of game. Turkeys, deer, elk, deer, a few moose, etc. And I could harvest Pinon nuts if I wasn’t lazy.
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