I'm going to lead off by answering the question that is probably on most everyone's mind: what should we all make of Governor Charlie Crist's switch from the Republican Party to No Party Affiliate as he seeks Florida's open United States Senate seat? I can tell you unequivocally this is how the Dade and Florida PBAs view it, how I personally view it, and, I hope, how you all will come to view if you don't feel this way already - Charlie Crist, the man, has earned our support, my support, and quite frankly your support in his bid for the United States Senate. Whether he's a Republican, a Democrat, a No Party, a Whig, or something else, Charlie Crist is first and foremost on you and your family's side. His veto of that garbage gutting DROP thrown into HB 5607 by a last minute amendment is just the latest example of his commitment to you.

By the way, the Governor did not just veto this bill, because he was concerned he would lose our support, or endorsement. That endorsement and the PBA's support were never in jeopardy. He vetoed it, because, as he said, it was the right thing to do. This Governor has been in charge of a state that was one of the first to enter into the recession and looks to be one of the last to recover. If ever there was a Governor who could have allowed that cut to the DROP benefit or the salary cut from last year to become a law, this Governor could have done so. He has had one of the worst economies in modern history and, at least last year, a political party backing him to reduce benefits. That combined was enough to provide the cover necessary to allow these bad ideas to become law. But Charlie Crist is better than that. He chose you over the powerful members in his former party. He's willing to make the tough choices and he makes the right choices! Bottom line is he has been there for us, we better be there for him- that simple.

 
John Rivera
President