Uploaded by JasonBraz80 on May 26, 2011

NO DEMS ALLOWED. Rick Scott forcing Democrats out of the supposedly "private" event by using law enforcement on taxpayers dime. Taking away our right of free speech and peaceful assembly.

Several members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus sent this letter to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, along with a copy to Governor Rick Scott.

The letter pertains to Governor Scott’s May 26 state budget signing event in which budget protesters were forcibly removed. 

June 7, 2011

The Honorable Pam Bondi
Attorney General, State of Florida
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399

The Honorable Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer, State of Florida
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Re:  Governor Scott’s May 26 Florida Budget Signing Event

Dear General Bondi and CFO Atwater:

By now, you are aware of a controversy concerning Governor Rick Scott and his admission that his office inappropriately removed Florida residents from a public budget signing event held in the Central Florida retirement community of The Villages on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

In a June 3 Governor’s Office statement responding to concerns raised by citizens and members of the media, a spokesperson for the governor acknowledged that a mistake had occurred. However, the brief statement neither provides explanation for the actions nor an apology to the affected persons.

In our view, the unlawful removal of a citizen at a public event is a very serious infringement of the rights of taxpaying Floridians, especially given the appearance that the citizens were removed solely, or primarily, because of their political views. These actions by, or under the authority of the Governor’s Office, are profoundly disappointing and shocking as they trample upon essential freedoms that all Americans cherish.

Given the seriousness of the matter and the considerable public importance, we urge you and your offices to provide us with urgent insight into the following questions:

·         Were civil liberties that are guaranteed under the Florida and U.S. constitutions, and under state or federal law, infringed upon by the Governor’s Office in its apparent decision to use resources of a local sheriff to remove citizens, at risk of arrest, from the budget-signing event?

·         What remedies are available to the affected Floridians, and what penalties are appropriate for such alleged misconduct?

·         Were state offices or public funds used inappropriately at this signing event; and if so, what are the appropriate means for reimbursing taxpayers?

·         What recommendations can you provide to ensure all Floridians that such a “mistake” will not happen again?

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter involving important constitutional and financial concerns to Floridians. We look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Mark Pafford
Representative
Florida House District 88

Rick Kriseman
Representative
Florida House District 53

Richard Steinberg
Representative
Florida House District 106

Jeff Clemens
Representative
Florida House District 89

Janet Cruz
Representative
Florida House District 58

Scott Randolph
Representative
Florida House District 36

Reggie Fullwood
Representative
Florida House District 15

Dwight Bullard
Representative
Florida House District 118

Lori Berman
Representative
Florida House District 86

Luis Garcia
Representative
Florida House District 107

Franklin Sands
Representative
Florida House District 98

Elaine Schwartz
Representative
Florida House District 99

Alan Williams
Representative
Florida House District 8

Steve Perman
Representative
Florida House District 78

Jim Waldman
Representative
Florida House District 95

cc:        The Honorable Governor Rick Scott

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