"You're G--amn right it does!"
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.
If these people do, then good riddance...............
Yes, good riddance to politicians, who have enriched themselves, corrupt or otherwise, who now don’t want to have a little sunshine in their lives.
I was curious about this. What would be the rational persons argument for or against providing this disclosure? Is it too intrusive or just to put light on conflicts of interest?
You want fewer good people involved in local government? Make the paperwork onerous and privacy-destroying.
Heck, a good big screen TV would require disclosure. A golf cart. A good set of clubs.
Likewise! Now require this of all public employees!
I’d guess most are people in their communities who don’t want to lose privacy.
No doubt, many grifters too.,,
We have had the ‘Sunshine Laws’ here in Florida for over 50 years. The Form 6 requirement is not new to the major office holders: governor, cabinet members, legislators and sheriffs, et al.
This is only now required of city councils and county officials.
If it bothers them, then they need to be out of office..............
There is also a Florida law that allows, what I call VIP, people in govt and law enforcement, retires, to HIDE from public scrutiny with regard to real property assessments.
You and I are subject to public online viewing of our real assets. But this elite group is not. This can and probably leads to preferential treatment from ‘friends’ in the county government as far as valuations and cheating is be hidden from public view.
Very self serving from a state that needs to be more open.
I’ll bet there is going to a LOT LESS massive additions and new pools being constructed at the POLs houses now..
And less loans taken out that never need to be repaid.
bttt
I can go online and see if my neighbor is paying his fair share. If that neighbor is in the VIP class, I am blocked.
Property owned by ‘LLC’ is the new norm...............
If these people do, then good riddance...............
If a position is volunteer and provide no compensation, then no, I would just resign. Not worth the hassle and pretty intrusive to be listing most assets that are $1,000 or greater.
The parasites don’t like people knowing how much they’re scamming the taxpayers, do they?
“I would have no problem filling out Form 6.
If these people do, then good riddance............... “
I agree. Anyone running for government should have transparent finances. If they don’t want to give them up then they don’t need to run.
The government just did the same thing to civilian business owners for the very same reasons. So the Goose/Gander protocol should absolutely apply with their transparency too.
“You and I are subject to public online viewing of our real assets. But this elite group is not.”
Absolutely. They are going to make businesses do it then why not them?
There is a big underground economy in this country. You might have cash paying tenants for rental houses. A side business cash and carry service where customers pay in cash for big discounts. The illegal drug/sex trade. Hiring cheap/ alien labor under the table. Mostly tax free income on the side . Not to mention political lobbying for favorable contracts.
"You're G--amn right it does!"
Privacy? These people signed up for life as PUBLIC servants. Once you do that, you open yourself up. Can’t handle that? Don’t get involved in PUBLIC service.
Quote
We have had the ‘Sunshine Laws’ here in Florida for over 50 years.
....
How old is Reedy Creek and the crony capitalism with FL officials and Disney?
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