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Welcome to My-Governor.com.
This site is an extension of www.LeadershipSpotlight.com.

Both are a public service of the
Florida Public Interest Foundation.

The Foundation asked Florida Governor Charlie Crist questions on a range of topics in the public interest. All questions and responses appear below.

Also refer to www.LeadershipSpotlight.com for other guests interviewed, and upcoming,  as part of the Foundation's 2007 Distinquished Leaders Series.

Special thanks to Governor Crist for his participation in this interview.

Hear from Governor Crist on a range of important concerns affecting Floridians ...

Open Government
Ethics & Principles
Leadership
Citizen Services
Public Participation

The Environment
Growth
Energy Alternatives

Insurance
Hurricanes
Taxation
Economy
His Priorities

See our questions and his responses below.

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INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST
By Florida Public Interest Foundation
Completed April 20, 2007. Posted April 24, 2007.

I. Governance, Leadership

1. FPIF: On your first day in office, you issued a far reaching policy on open government, ethics and citizen services. What prompted this initiative and what end results do you want to see?

Governor: I believe that Florida’s Sunshine and Public Records Laws are essential to having a government “of the people, by the people and for the people,” to use the powerful words of Abraham Lincoln.  These laws ensure that government’s actions are always transparent and accountable to the taxpayers – at all levels of government. 

Government’s business is public service, and as public servants, we work for the people of Florida.  Florida’s open government laws make it possible for people to participate in the democratic process.  Additionally, my Plain Language Initiative ensures that state government clearly communicates with the public it serves. 

These measures are the best way we can respect the public trust that is bestowed upon us as we serve the people.  Because of this public trust, I expect employees in the Governor’s Office and the executive agencies to adhere to a stringent code of ethics, including disclosing any conflicts of interest and recusing themselves accordingly.

2. FPIF: You have brought a unique spirit of bi-partisanship to your office and to State government. How would you summarize your feelings or approach in this regard and what you strive to accomplish?

Governor: I firmly believe that if we set aside labels of “Republican ideas” or “Democrat ideas” and focus on the label that we all share – Floridian – then we will keep ourselves focused on our number-one priority – the needs of the people of Florida.  We have been entrusted by the people of Florida with a public trust, and to squander that public trust is an insult to the people who have given it to us.

3. FPIF: You have spoken about the importance of "serving with a servant's heart." Can you say more about what this means to you?

Governor: Having a servant’s heart means working together with others for the good of the people of Florida – and not caring who gets the credit.  It also means remembering who is boss.  Every day I am aware that the people of Florida have given me the rare privilege of serving as Governor of the great state of Florida.  They are my boss, and I will always strive to be focused on what they have to say and what they need.

4. FPIF: Your message to the people has conveyed a strong sense of optimism for the future. Where does this come from, and what is your outlook for the future? Also, what are your beliefs about optimism and its importance?

Governor: There is really no reason not to be an optimist. We are truly blessed to live in the very best place on earth, at the best time in history. My optimism comes from the people of our great state. I have had the opportunity to meet so many Floridians, and I’ve seen our greatness in their faces. Even in our differences, our values and our outlook are always more similar than they are different. I believe this common vision as Floridians will help make this century Florida’s greatest. As I said in the State of the State Address, tailoring Robert Kennedy’s words, “Some people see things as they are and say ‘Why?’ I dream of a better Florida and say, ‘Why not?’”

5. FPIF: What do you consider to be two or three of the most important ingredients to true leadership?

Governor: Great leaders are, first and foremost, humble.  They remember that each day they go to a job that the people have entrusted to them.  Great leaders also have personal integrity in their personal and professional life. They also have compassion and strength to do what they know is right, while showing kindness and understanding toward people whose views are different from their own.

6. FPIF: How would you describe your leadership style and standards or principles?

Governor: I am a believer in our nation’s democratic process; therefore, I am a listener.  That’s how we come to consensus – by listening.  I listen to both the needs that are important to the people, and then to ideas for meeting those needs.  I think it is important to encourage the exchange of ideas.  I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with a great team of people.  By that, I mean my staff as well as the leadership of the Legislature and my colleagues on the Florida Cabinet.  This exchange of ideas is what makes Florida a great place. 

II. Growth/Environment/Energy

1. FPIF: Generally speaking, how would you describe your stance on the environment?

Governor: I love the natural beauty of our state.  In Florida, we are especially fortunate to have a diverse environment – a spectacular coastline, refreshing springs and rivers, wonderful forests, as well as colorful coral reefs.  Our extraordinary public lands provide recreation and open space for our citizens and visitors and habitat for the plants and animals that call Florida home. 

We are also privileged to enjoy the internationally recognized beauty of the Florida Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, the Apalachicola River and Bay, and countless other places that are too numerous to name.  I challenge every Floridian to work to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy all the benefits of a clean and safe environment.

Sustainability of Florida’s natural treasures is the cornerstone of my environmental policy. We must ensure that Florida’s beautiful natural surroundings are around for future generations to enjoy.  I am committed to continuing Florida’s land acquisition effort and providing incentives for private landowners to create conservation easements.  It is also imperative that we protect Florida’s water resources for current and future residents and protect our coast from oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.  Restoration of the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee are also vital to our state’s ecological health.

2. FPIF: Realizing that there are many important issues facing our state when it comes to the environment, which rise to the highest significance in your mind, and will these be the initial priorities for your Administration?

Governor: Several important environmental issues come to mind- namely, restoring the Everglades ecosystem which includes Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers; continuing acquisition as a way to protect and preserve conservation and recreation lands for the use and enjoyment of all Floridians; as well as safeguarding our economy and environment by fostering the use and development of alternative energy.

3. FPIF: Population growth in Florida is happening at a rapid pace.  A recent study predicts 18 million more people here if current land development patterns continue, and there have been other predictions of even more. What is your reaction to such forecasts – with regard to the environment and quality of life in general?

Note: Study commissioned by 1000 Friends of Florida, available at www.1000fof.org, including Executive Summary.

Governor: I take my responsibility as Governor very seriously to be vigilant to accommodate our ever growing population in ways that will also provide protection to our natural resources.  Our challenge as a state will continue to be carefully balancing the reality of population growth alongside the fragility of our environmental and natural resources.  A large part of the quality of life we enjoy in Florida is tied directly to those environmental and natural resources. 

The landmark “pay-as-you-grow” change to our growth management laws approved in 2005, along with the strong financial investment provided by the state, will provide the roads, schools and water needed to grow our economy and improve our quality of life.   By taking a common sense and collaborative approach, Florida is on a path to manage growth that crosses political boundaries, ensures economic prosperity and preserves natural habitat. 

4. FPIF: The study just mentioned includes a visually powerful set of maps depicting the concentration of population as it would be in specific geographic areas across the state, assuming continuation of current development trends. Do such maps signal the need to redirect growth away from some areas and to others?

Governor: In order to maintain the quality of life we enjoy in Florida, we must create ways to accommodate continued population growth while protecting our resources including the lands we have set aside and will set aside for conservation.  As individuals, we often want to be at the doorstep of the things that make Florida special, our coast, our rivers, and our other natural areas.  As an ever growing state of people, we need to understand that concentrating ourselves in or near these areas jeopardizes their very existence.  So yes, our attention to studies like the one referenced should help guide us toward policies that will enable us to continue our growth in ways that do not threaten the very reasons we want to live here.

5. FPIF: Hurricanes are an increasing threat to Florida, by virtue of the trend toward more intense and more frequent storms. Should Florida be considering more steps to limit development in known coastal high hazard areas?

Governor: As I mentioned earlier, many of Florida’s residents choose to live close to the aesthetic, recreational, and natural resources that contribute to our state’s quality of life.  However, hurricanes can pose a threat to our residents and their homes and businesses.  So we have to be mindful of our ability to evacuate people from vulnerable areas and to be careful about investing our collective tax dollars in such areas.  At the same time, we need to be careful about how we define such high hazard areas and respectful of the private property rights in those areas.

6. FPIF: The environment and the economy are often referred to as impacting each other. Can Florida protect and improve our economy by safeguarding our environment – and, if so, what might be some examples?

Governor: Clean air, an abundant supply of clean water, and the natural beauty of the conservation and recreation lands assist in the continued growth and development of our economy.  Each year, visitors, new residents and new businesses are attracted to our beautiful state and fuel our economy and employ our citizens.  The investment in new clean sources of energy is just one way to safeguard the environment while protecting and growing our economy.  

In February, Florida awarded $15 million in renewable energy technology grants.  The targeted grants will advance new technologies that will increase the use and development of alternative energy in our state.  My energy budget recommendations will continue the renewable energy grants and expand the use, manufacturing and distribution of alternative energy.  This industry can provide new, high wage jobs, while also protecting the quality of our environment.

7. FPIF: In your first Budget Recommendations to the Legislature (as Governor), you have shown strong support for public land acquisition and preservation, including the Florida Forever initiative. Why do you regard such steps as so important for Florida?

Governor: The protection of conservation and recreation lands improves quality of life for all Floridians.  Quality of life provides a foundation for strengthening our economy.  The purchase of land limits the impact of growth and can also be used to buffer the state from damage caused by coastal storms by preserving barrier islands and dune systems that protect the Florida peninsula from storm surge.

8. FPIF: Your Budget also calls for a continued emphasis on restoration of the Everglades as well as key rivers and lakes. Can you elaborate?

Governor: My recommended budget, which includes $190 million for the Everglades ecosystem, will bring us closer to our goal of providing the Everglades with a more natural timing and flow of fresh water and reducing the amount of phosphorous and other pollutants that enter the ecosystem.  Of that, $100 million will be used to continue the state-federal partnership to restore the Everglades.  These funds would provide water storage and storm water treatment areas to improve the quality and distribution of water that enters the 2.4 million-acre marsh.  Another $50 million will be used to continue the cleanup of water in the Lake Okeechobee basin, and $40 million is reserved for projects to restore the timing, flow and quality of water within the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries.

9. FPIF: You’ve said that global climate change is “one of the most important issues that we will face this century.” Can you share more about your concerns here and any planned actions?

Governor: I have been doing a lot of reading and studying on the topic of global climate change.  There is a strong body of scientific evidence pointing to the role of carbon emissions in changing our global climate. We cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer.  With almost 1,200 miles of coastline and most of our residents living there, Florida is more vulnerable to rising ocean levels and violent weather patterns than any other state.  We must identify strategies for minimizing our risks. 

When the Legislative session concludes, we will convene an environmental summit that includes Florida’s best and brightest minds from state government, agriculture, industry, commerce, and other walks of life.  The summit will assist in developing Florida’s response to the challenge of global climate change. 

10. FPIF: Energy and water can be looked on as the life-blood of our state, as both are essential to people, communities and the environment. You’ve said that changes are needed in the energy realm. What should Florida's focus be?  

Governor: A secure, diverse energy supply is important to Florida’s future.  Florida must strive to be a leader in the production, distribution and use of alternative energy. New fuel technology has the potential to strengthen the economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  Every gallon of ethanol and biodiesel blended into our fuel and every watt of electricity generated from biomass, solar and other alternative energy sources will help reduce our dependence on foreign fuel sources and improve the quality of our air and our water. 

11. FPIF: Oil drilling off of Florida’s coasts has been a controversial topic over the years. You mentioned the subject at your Inauguration. Can you comment further?

Governor: Protecting our coastline from the threat of offshore development continues to be a top priority for me and our state.  Offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast does not reflect the values of Floridians.  We maintain our commitment to preservation at a time when the state is under increasing pressure to open up its waters. 

In response to the growing demand for petroleum products, Florida is taking bold steps to embark on a new energy frontier that will reduce dependence on imported oil by investing in cleaner fuels, expanding energy efficiency and encouraging conservation.  I am committed to securing our energy future and protecting our waters from offshore development.

12. FPIF: Water is an issue of ongoing and, no doubt, growing significance for Florida’s future. How will your Administration work to protect water quality and ensure adequate water supplies? Also, can local communities and citizens play a partnership role and, if so, how?

Governor: By coordinating growth management with water supply and providing significant funding, we have established a “pay-as-you-grow” plan for Florida.  Development decisions must now include a determination that adequate water supplies will be available to serve new demand.  Local governments and citizens are actively engaged in the planning and development of alternative water supply projects throughout the state.  More than $200 million was made available for desalination, reuse and conservation projects last year alone.

III. Other

1. FPIF: Your regard for open government and improved citizen services leads us to also ask your feelings and intentions on the subject of public participation in government decision-making. Can you comment on this?

Governor: Elected officials have a responsibility to listen to the people. We are only in office because the people allow us to be here. The people are the boss – we work for them. It is they, not we, who possess the power. We have a responsibility to serve them well. The best way citizens can make their voices heard is by voting for good leaders who support their positions and then keeping track of their elected officials once they take office. There are some issues, property taxes for example, where the impact is determined locally. For these issues, I support local referendums to determine the will of the people.

2. FPIF: If you were at the end of your first term, rather than the start, what are two or three accomplishments that you would most like to be looking back on?

Governor: In three years, I would like to look back and see that we achieved comprehensive meaningful reduction for the two pocketbook issues that are making Florida unaffordable for our people – property insurance and property taxes. We have made a good start by passing legislation during the January special session to reduce homeowner insurance rates, but there is more work to do.

Insurance rates are moving in the right direction, and I am confident they will continue to decline. We are currently working with the legislature to tackle rising property taxes. I am hopeful the same bipartisan spirit we saw during the January special session will enable use to bring relief from this burden for Florida’s families. 

We have great leadership in the Florida House and Senate and a bipartisan spirit focused on what is best for the people of our state. Based on what we have accomplished so far, I am confident that Florida’s future is bright.  I believe we will see a safer, healthier Florida, where children have the opportunity to enjoy our state’s natural beauty for generations to come.  I see world-class schools with effective, well compensated teachers, and academically successful students graduating and making up our highly qualified workforce for our current and future high-wage, high-tech industries.  I see a promising future for all Floridians.