Mingling 'round a living room

It was coffee cake and coffee talk with Florida’s lieutenant governor, who sat in a Tampa living room and dished on property taxes with local residents Monday night.

Todd and Jennifer Marks hosted Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and 30 of their friends and colleagues at their home in Westchase, a planned community in Northwest Hillsborough County.

Kottkamp dug a knife into a chocolate cake emblazoned with the word "TAXES."

"We thought it would be appropriate that, with tonight’s discussion, he take the first cut," said Todd Marks, who owns a law firm and title company in Westchase.

Kottkamp outlined Gov. Charlie Crist’s plan, which calls for $33.5-billion in cuts over five years.

Realtors, title company workers and home builders peppered Kottkamp with questions:

What are you doing to help senior citizens?

Will cutting property taxes make impact fees shoot up?

Given the dismal real estate market, should home values be reassessed?

Without swift action, will Floridians pack up and get out of Dodge?

Kottkamp said he’ll take the input back to Tallahassee, where a special legislative session on property taxes begins June 12.

"I think it’s great to have the Lt. Gov. come to our neighborhood in such an informal setting and really hear what we think of the proposals," said Jeffry Ewing, president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Kottkamp and Crist are working their way through Florida, holding town hall meetings and talking to citizens in small groups. Crist was in Miami Monday.

"We have an aggressive schedule to get around the state and hear from as many taxpayers as possible," said Kottkamp, who planned to head to Plant City Tuesday for a similar chat fest.

— Stephanie Hayes

Comments

I like it. There is nothing wrong with having the Lt. Gov. take a listening tour of what the people think!

[Lifelong Republican]

Get the F back to Tallahassee and get to WORK, idiots. We elected you to be in Tallahassee and work on REAL issues (not anti murder and key lime pie days). Enough already with the high school visits and hours on our state planes. Tallahassee is in Leon County and we'd like you to work there at least 4 days a week!

Actually, jackass, he drove to Tampa.

The Lt. Gov. is the hardest working man in politics. It is a good thing he is listening to the people and OUT of Tallahassee for a turn at hearing what the people say. He will never hear the people's voice in Tallahassee!

Maybe it would help if you choose to use actual words and not such vulgarity to get your point across.

You got elected by listening to "the people". Enough listening, time for action.

[FOR ALL THE PEOPLE]

I think it is wonderful that the current regime is interested in talking and listening to the voters, however, I know for a fact they are not listening to the people that matter such as the poor and middle class(if their is still such a thing).I bet I could request them to come to a small rural community and they wouldn't come. So you people they are listening to I hope you will give the big picture and not just your wants and needs. I can only pray to God they will look at all the peoples worries and not just the Corporations, Rich , Republican and Famous.

[Working Poor]

Hey People's Lt. Governor, please think about conducting your "Listening Tour" (yikes! shades of Hillary) with the working poor! You know, you don't even have to leave Tallahassee to find them - they're also called "state employees." You know, the little people who actually do the work - the ones that you call on to work the hurricanes without compensation; the ones who don't get the bennies of the Legislature or Senior Mgt.; the ones whose pay is ranked #50 in the country; the ones you have no respect or concern for.

No, you only listen to those with second homes, not second jobs. The ones who write check, not the ones worried if the check they write will clear.

Yes, call the members back - at $100,000 a day for a special session - reward them for a job poorly done! So what else is new?

11:16... it was Crist/Kottkamp who wanted pay raises for Gov't employees and Rubio/Rivera who canned it. So, put your anger where it belongs. Also, Rubio who refused to move on property tax which is why a special session had to be called. Know what you are talking about before you open your trap.

10:50 which post are you referring to?

[Gene Smith]

"We have an aggressive schedule to get around the state and hear from as many taxpayers as possible,"

Well, lets see - 30 folks who included:

Todd Marks, who owns a law firm and title company in Westchase; Jeffry Ewing, president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Sounds more like a fundraising crowd than a "listening tour" crowd to me.

If Governor Crist staff would have been doing they jobs this would not of happened. Various staff members forgot who they were working for in Tallahassee.

so how many homes in Westchase have gone to foreclosure? How many households have income at "poverty levels"? How many of the children from Westchase attend a school with 85%+ free and/or reduced lunches?

Get with the REAL people of Florida, sir, and hence you'll find the REAL answers and questions of REAL Floridians.

a lawyer living in Westchase has no room to complain about taxes, especially if he's capped...

he should have come over to sulphur springs, or visited any of the numerous Small Businesses on Florida Ave who are dying

[Abe Lincoln]

Whatever very bright person thought of having a very private (self seeking) meeting and advised the Governor and the Lt. Governor that it was a great ideal should be FIRED. It is rather apparent that staff is clueless to Governor Crist and his policies. This staff lacks the ability to advance Governor Crist policy agenda; instead they spend most of the time advancing their own private agenda, which does not serve “the people”. GOVERNOR CRIST WE HUMBLY BEG YOU TO STOP LISTENING TO THESE PEOPLE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Someone’s head should roll for this not so bright but self-serving move, the people are seeking tax relief and how do you think this is going to assist the average Floridian (allowing access to only special people) to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed. It seems like someone is being self-seeking/self-serving and making sure they look good (in the eyes of a few) as opposed to advancing the Governor’s policy agenda, thus ensuring that “the people” get tax relief sooner rather than later.

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida
"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

[GOPFL]

Gene-

It was nice of LG Kottcamp to travel to the Mark's home last night to discuss property tax relief. Todd Marks and Jeffry Ewing are two successful men who have an interest in seeing property tax relief. The real ideas are outside of Tallahassee. The event and address was listed on the LG's schedule. He will hold another meeting at Fred's Market Restaurant at 11am in Plant City. The info is posted on the LG's schedule on Governor's Crist's website. Anyone can attend.

The calendar was down yesterday. . .interesting.. .smells funny

Really? I saw it yesterday...interesting...you smell funny

I also viewed the calendar yesterday without any problems. Showers can help one avoid strange odors.

[Abe Lincoln]

The calendar was down yesterday and I e-mailed the Governors office never received a response back, I check the calendar last night and it was still down. "The people" wonder when the calendar is hidden from the sunshine, is this not against the sunshine statue? Why have the Government in the sunshine statue if staff takes it upon themselves to take the calendar in and out of the sunshine at their own convenience, I would question the ethics of doing this sort of thing.

P.S. Just checked my e-mail and I have received a response back, what exactly is the turn around time for response from an inquiry?

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

I viewed the calendar yesterday. The schedule for Monday and Tuesday were posted. Abe, here's a hint, it's posted on the Governor's website on myflorida.com, not the Crist campaign website.

[Abe Lincoln]

9:06 am (Staff)

I think we all know this but computer forensics will show that the calendar was not posted yesterday. I checked the calendar all day and it was not posted. I even e-mailed and still have not received a response, computer forensic does not lie, and the data blueprint is already there and is admissible as evidence in a court of law. So staff please continue to lie and "the people" will prove you wrong for the world to see, the computer is in the sunshine, please read chapter 119 of the Florida Statue.

This staff so far has violated the sunshine statue repeatedly and to knowingly do so is a grievous violation of professional ethics. Thus causing the public not to trust those who are allegedly there to serve "the people" and the Governor as he serves "the people".

P.S. I know how to get the website http://www.flgov.com/calendar?month=5&year=2007&day=15, staff (KP/SS) need to get back work and not spend time on the blog trying to make people believe a lie.

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

Abe,

You need to stop taking those fancy colored pills that have you so wound up lately. And if you are going to make up initials of staff members at least make up some common initials like JS (John Smith?) or MJ (Mary Jones?) that can seem like they are actual people.

At some point Abe, your incessant complaining becomes such white noise that no one hears it any more, how about taking a break.

I think much of the above negativity is missing the point.

The point is people want, need and demand meaningful property tax reform.

You guys have known that the entire year. These townhalls are only photo ops. You didn't need another round of them to tell you what you heard during the 2006 campaign and throughout the last few months.

Get back to work.

[eriq]

yeah, what 10:02 said...

I think someone needs to make a public records request.

[Concerned citizen]

10:00 am

The calendar was not posted because staff was directed not to post the calendar yesterday, so please do not try to throw staff under bus for your flagrant disregard for the Sunshine. This is not the campaign trail this is the Executive Office of the Governor, where we believe in serving "the people" and we pride ourselves with having a high ethical standard. So, I think you need to apologize to staff for lying on them when they were on following your orders.

sounds very fishy. . .why is the calendar so secret?

how can someone file a public records request and can I as a citizen file a complaint regarding a violation of the sunshine law and where should I file the complaint?

even if you see the calendar, does it matter. most of the entries are out of town meetings or personal days. I, for one, would like to see a more populated schedule for the "people's team".

[Abe Lincoln]

11:37 am

Yes, I think it is important because staff is accusing "the people" of lying about something and a meeting held in a private home that is not accessible to the public when talking about a public issue maybe in violation of the Sunshine Statue. Meetings are required to be public ally noticed and the meeting at the home was not publicly noticed because the calendar link was not working, indirect violation of the Florida Sunshine. We all have jobs and we must follow the rules well staff is not the exception to this rule. This flagrant violation shows that staff is not serving "the people" and thus not serving the Governor as he serves "the people". And trust me the violation of the Florida Sunshine law is indeed flagrant because the public has not had access to the calendar for months at time and this is well documented. After all "we the People" are paying their salaries, thus staff has to be held accountable for not performing their jobs that they are being paid to perform. If Governor Crist were not doing his job “the people” would have a right to firer him at the ballot box then why should not staff be held to those same standards. We are all accountable to someone.

The problem that “the people” are having is not with Gooverner Crist or Lt. Governor Kottkamp, “the people” are having a problem with various members of staff’s lack of work ethic, integrity and honest which is in direct opposition of what Governor Crist stands for and thus camapaigned on during the election. Governors Crist Policy agenda is not being advanced like it should and someone must be held to task for performing their job. In the real world and this is the real world if you fail to perform your job you are normally terminated. Whoever is responsible for not advancing the Governor’s public appearances, his schedule, and acting as liaison for the Governor with citizens and various public service groups, needs to be held accountable for not performing their job. I would urge the Administration to look into this matter sooner rather than later because it has reached a point of that I do not see any other option but to take drastic measures.

Regards,

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

Adam Smith - looks as though a real story has developed here . surely the Times has computer geeks who can verify - was the calendar and this event posted? complying with Sunshine rules or not?

Adam Smith,

what do think? "the people" need an answer. . . should heads roll?

Abe-What's not public about a meeting at Fred's Market in Plant City? I saw that info on TV this morning. You can't get a much more working folks event than that.

[Abe Lincoln]

Please find listed below the dates that the calendar has not been displayed for public view on the http://www.flgov.com/calendar , not on the campaign website as staff tried to infer that “the people” are very bright. Governor Crist and Lt. Governor Kottkamp were sworn into office Tuesday, January 2, 2007 and the calendar’s first entry was not made until March 27th , so from Tuesday, January 2nd to Monday, March 26th there were no events recorded on the calendar. On Tuesday, March 27th to Thursday, March 29th the calendar was tested, March 30th through April 2nd the calendar was operating showing limited number of appointments. From April 3rd to April 16th calendar is not operating and finally on Tuesday, April 17th through Friday, April 20th the calendar is viewable then April 21st not able to view tha calendar. On April 22nd calendar is viewable once again, then on Monday, May 14th calendar is unviewable.

Regards,

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

Well, all I can tell you is that our hometown paper prints everyday online what they are doing that day and have since early on. So, if they are doing that, they must be getting it somewhere. Also, the press checks it all the time. There would have been a big uproar if it wasn't available.

So, I guess you don't know as much as you think you do. Why don't you get a life and quit being bitter.

[Concerned citizen]

2:41 pm,

I agree with the Abe person that the calendar has been an ongoing issue documented on numerous post, so I disagree that Abe is bitter but that he is concernced that "the people" are having issues accessing information that is according to the Sunshine statue to be accessible to the public.

[Concerned citizen]

2:41 pm,

I agree with the Abe person that the calendar has been an ongoing issue documented on numerous post, so I disagree that Abe is bitter but that he is concernced that "the people" are having issues accessing information that is according to the Sunshine statue to be accessible to the public.

["the people"]

does anyone know why the are not imputting the information into th calendar on a routine basis?

OK Brilliant ones... the website only keeps it online for 30 days. Do the math. Prior to 30 days you can make a records request to receive those as well. From swearing in on the public has always had access to the schedule. In fact, why don't you just call any newspaper and ask them if they were denied access? Believe me, if they were there would have been a huge story about it. Let's consider this: perhaps, just perhaps, you didn't know exactly where to find this information. Obviously, the fact that it only stays on the website for 30 days eluded you. It seems very petty to constantly try to "catch" them doing something. Do you really not have anything better to do with your time?

[We Are Not Dumb]

You know what "the people" are tired of staff trying to make us out to be idiots, it has been documents on this blogg numerous times that the calendar was not up to date and that there seemed to be a lack of Sunshine in the Governor's office by staff. So, if brilliant one if they only keep the calendar up for 30 days where is this policy, "the people" need to see documentation because at this point "the people believe nothing that staff says with at written verification. In additionally if this policy does exist should there not be a disclaimer on the website stating this in fact is the policy, in addition then why is the calendar showing entries all the way from March if it is the policy to remove events after 30 days. Smells fishy. . . "the people" are not as dumb as you young whipper snappers think.

why exactly does the calendar allow you to navigate back and forth between months and dates if this is the case?

[We Are Not Dumb]

You know what "the people" are tired of staff trying to make us out to be idiots, it has been documents on this blogg numerous times that the calendar was not up to date and that there seemed to be a lack of Sunshine in the Governor's office by staff. So, if brilliant one if they only keep the calendar up for 30 days where is this policy, "the people" need to see documentation because at this point "the people believe nothing that staff says with at written verification. In additionally if this policy does exist should there not be a disclaimer on the website stating this in fact is the policy, in addition then why is the calendar showing entries all the way from March if it is the policy to remove events after 30 days. Smells fishy. . . "the people" are not as dumb as you young whipper snappers think.

why exactly does the calendar allow you to navigate back and forth between months and dates if this is the case?

[We Are Not Dumb]

"the people" should have to call the office to get public inforamtion if it is published on teh website, which frees staff's hand to actually work as opposed to fielding call.

I will speak for staff they are the best in brightest or they would not be in Tally. All you dumb people who keeping on ask all of these question do not know what you are talking about that is why we are in Tally and you are not.

How long should we wait for an information request?

Rest assured, my office has thoroughly reviewed your email and any necessary follow-up will be conducted by either myself or the appropriate member of my staff.

OK, we will take this slow so you can understand. First, if you don't believe anything staff has to say, then like I said before, ask the PRESS. That way, you don't have to take their word for it. Second, also like I said, you or anyone else can view the schedule of any day by simply submitting a records request. It is easy and the press does it all the time. I will state the law for you in my next post. Third, why don't you be a nice guy and simply ask them to put a disclaimer on the schedule or maybe leave the schedule on the website all the time. You would be surprised what you can get when you just ask. I'm sure if it doesn't require a major change to the program, they would probably be happy to accomodate you. That way, you can once again sleep at night knowing that there is a disclaimer there saying the schedule is only posted for 30 days or that you can view who they met with and where they had lunch anytime, day or night. Because I know this is a burning issue for you. I only wish that this was the biggest problem in my life.

Title X Public Officers, Employees, and Records Chapter 119:

119.01 General Policies on public records: 1) it is the policy of this state that all state records shall be open for personal inspection by any person. (All you have to do is submit a records request)

Title X continued:

119.01 (2) The Legislature finds that, given advancements in technology, providing access to public records by remote electronic means is an ADDITIONAL method of access that agencies should STRIVE to provide to the EXTENT FEASABLE. IF an agency provides access to public records by remote electronic means, then such access should be provided in the most COST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MANNER available to the agency providing the information. (If they have to rewrite the program to accomodate you, it may not be cost effective. If not, then whatever helps you avoid hyperventilating is fine with me).

Title X continued:

119.01 (3) The Legislature finds that providing access to public records is a duty of each agency and that automation of public records MUST NOT ERODE THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THOSE RECORDS. As each agency increases its use of and dependence on electronic recordkeeping, each agency must ensure REASONABLE access to those records electronically maintained.

Title X continued:

119.031 Keeping records in safe places: copying or repairing certified copies - INSOFAR AS PRACTICABLE, custodians of vital, permanent, or archival records shall keep them in fireproof and waterproof safes, vaults or rooms fitted with noncombustible materials and in such arrangement as to be easily accessable fot convenient use. ALL PUBLIC RECORDS SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE BUILDINGS IN WHICH THEY ARE ORDINARILY USED. (they are)

Title X continued:

119.041 Destruction of records regulated: Every public official shall systematically dispose of records no longer needed, subject to the consent of the records and information management program of the Division of Library and Information Services of the Department of State.

Title X continued.. This is a big one!!!!

119.07 Inspection, examination and duplication of records: (1)(a) Every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and examined by any person desiring to do so, at any REASONABLE time, under REASONABLE conditions, and UNDER THE SUPERVISION BY THE CUSTODIAN OF THE PUBLIC RECORD or the custodian's designee. The custodian shall furnish a COPY or a CERTIFIED COPY of the record UPON PAYMENT OF THE FEE PRESCRIBED BY LAW or, if a fee is not prescribed by law, for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 81/2 inches, UPON PAYMENT OF NOT MORE THAN 15 CENTS PER ONE SIDED COPY, and for all other copies, UPON PAYMENT OF THE ACTUAL COST OF DUPLICATION OF THE RECORD. (so, pay the fee like everyone else and you can have all the schedules your little heart desires)

[Abe Lincoln]

Would it not be better to leave all records up on the website thus not having to answer unwarranted records request? I will verify with legal counsel the answer that you provided, when reading any statue you should read the entire statue and not just the passage that you feel supports your argument. You just might be missing something, anyway why can I pull Executive orders and the Florida Statue from 10 years back but I cannot view "the Peoples Governors" calendar for more than 30 days? So, please tell me what is the written policy of the executive Office of the Governor regarding maintaining the public calendar on line, "the people" would prefer this particular policy to be in writing and all employees to read it so that we will not run into this sort of problem moving forward. Anyway it is cost efficient to have to reproduce this information for a public information request. I feel better if staff just acknowledged that they messed up instead of spending the whole day trying to cover up for not performing their jobs, sometimes to acknowledge ones mistake is a lot easier than cover it up because it all comes out in the wash. In addition will their be a disclaimer placed on the website?

Regards,
Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the
Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

Title X continued:

119.085: Remote electronic access to public records: As an additional means of inspecting, examining and copying public records of the executive branch, public records custodians MAY provide access to the records by remote electronic means. Unless otherwise required by law, the custodian may CHARGE A FEE FOR REMOTE ELECTRONIC ACCESS, granted under a contractual arrangement with a user, which fee may include the direct and indirect costs of providing such access. (again, pay the damn fee)

Well, Abe, I really can't answer those questions because I do not work for the state of Florida. And, I did read the entire statute. It is online. Just do a search for "Florida Sunshine Law".

Maybe it would be better to leave everything on the website. I don't know. Since I don't work there, I don't know if it is cost efficient or not. I don't know if they would have to redo the entire program or not just to let you see who Charlie Crist had a meeting with at 1:18 on February 16th. If that is the case, then it probably wouldn't be cost efficient would it?

And, as you can see, it is 5:37 I am writing this on my own time. And, since I am not a government employee it really doesn't matter.

The reason I did this is because you are ACCUSING someone of doing something wrong. Until you know everything there is to know, you should not accuse people.

Finally, go read the statute so your inquiring mind can be at ease that no one "messed up". I can assure you, even though what I do with my time is none your business, I did not "spend all day" trying to cover up for someone not performing their job. As far as I can see from the law, they don't even have to put the schedule online if they don't want to. I think it is pretty nice of them to do this much.

Could they do things better? Probably. I think there is always room for improvement in anything. So, why don't you be a big boy and just ask them to do what you want, maybe they will. Of course, maybe you just like bitching on some blog because who you favor is not sitting in the Gov's office.

[FOR ALL THE PEOPLE]

i gave jebby 6 months in office to fall into the good old boy system and he lived right up to it. Now I give Charlie Crist the same 6 months and he alrady seems to be falling into the GOOD OLD BOY SYSTEM. OH WELL SO MUCH FOR ANY HOPE.

This is one of the most tedious, tiresome, and incomprehensible threads I've seen on this blog.
Everytime I've wanted to see the calendar, it's there--the problem is that it's just marked "personal time" or "appointments" or it's private, like the event in the home.
They comply with the law, it's just that the law (by intent for sure) only goes so far.

Political Contributions (2004)
Money donated by Plant City residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party
Party Contributions
Republican $283,781
Democratic $6,850

by Presidential Candidate
Candidate Contributions
George W. Bush $21,650
John Kerry $450

[We Are Not Dumb]

8:48 am (Staff or friend of Staff)

Computer records do not lie, "the people" and news media all know that the caledar was not posted on the website and updated in a timely manner.

[We Are Not Dumb]

This whole thing was about someone trying to get a job, not about the people, the whole thing was an exercise in self promotion, not about "the people". Nothing that has happened in the last three days has assisted in advancing Governor Crist agenda. I apologize for this great waste of teh publics time and resources.

[Abe Lincoln]

5:47 PM:

You are so wrong Governor Crist was the candidate I wanted and he is sitting in the office. The reason I have spoken out is that what has gone on over the last couple of days needed to be addressed, so I have taken the time to voice my concerns and others on this blog. In addition I am not a paid staffer just a supporter of Governor Crist and his policy agenda.

Kindest regards,

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the
Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

Dear Dumb,

You are one of the Dumbest people I've ever encountered.

If you read the Sunshine Law (you can read can't you?) You would know that they don't even have to have a website, much less post the schedule on it. They do that as a courtesy. All they have to do is show it to anyone who makes a records request.

So, there you have it Sherlock.

Dear Abe,

You say you were just voicing your concerns, but you didn't address the fact that you accused someone of not doing their job and of "messing up", which is not right. No one broke any law, no one is trying to hide anything and no one messed up.

Like I said, there are probably things that could be improved on, but nothing was done wrong. So, if you would like them to do something differently, call or email and ask them. I know these people and they are good, hard working people. My suggestion to you would be to email either George Lemieux or Larry Ringers with your ideas. They are both very responsive people. I would not contact either Kamilah Prince or Arlene DiBenigno. They are the worst sort of staff the Governor could have and are a real detriment to him. So, if you have tried in past and got one of those two, I can understand your disenchantment.

[Abe Lincoln]

119.01 General state policy on public records.--

(1) It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency.

(2)(a) Automation of public records must not erode the right of access to those records. As each agency increases its use of and dependence on electronic recordkeeping, each agency must provide reasonable public access to records electronically maintained and must ensure that exempt or confidential records are not disclosed except as otherwise permitted by law.

(b) When designing or acquiring an electronic recordkeeping system, an agency must consider whether such system is capable of providing data in some common format such as, but not limited to, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

(c) An agency may not enter into a contract for the creation or maintenance of a public records database if that contract impairs the ability of the public to inspect or copy the public records of the agency, including public records that are on-line or stored in an electronic recordkeeping system used by the agency.

(d) Subject to the restrictions of copyright and trade secret laws and public records exemptions, agency use of proprietary software must not diminish the right of the public to inspect and copy a public record.

(e) Providing access to public records by remote electronic means is an additional method of access that agencies should strive to provide to the extent feasible. If an agency provides access to public records by remote electronic means, such access should be provided in the most cost-effective and efficient manner available to the agency providing the information.

(f) Each agency that maintains a public record in an electronic recordkeeping system shall provide to any person, pursuant to this chapter, a copy of any public record in that system which is not exempted by law from public disclosure. An agency must provide a copy of the record in the medium requested if the agency maintains the record in that medium, and the agency may charge a fee in accordance with this chapter. For the purpose of satisfying a public records request, the fee to be charged by an agency if it elects to provide a copy of a public record in a medium not routinely used by the agency, or if it elects to compile information not routinely developed or maintained by the agency or that requires a substantial amount of manipulation or programming, must be in accordance with s. 119.07(4).

(3) If public funds are expended by an agency in payment of dues or membership contributions for any person, corporation, foundation, trust, association, group, or other organization, all the financial, business, and membership records of that person, corporation, foundation, trust, association, group, or other organization which pertain to the public agency are public records and subject to the provisions of s. 119.07.

[Abe Lincoln]

119.01 General state policy on public records.--

(1) It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency.

(2)(a) Automation of public records must not erode the right of access to those records. As each agency increases its use of and dependence on electronic recordkeeping, each agency must provide reasonable public access to records electronically maintained and must ensure that exempt or confidential records are not disclosed except as otherwise permitted by law.

(b) When designing or acquiring an electronic recordkeeping system, an agency must consider whether such system is capable of providing data in some common format such as, but not limited to, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

(c) An agency may not enter into a contract for the creation or maintenance of a public records database if that contract impairs the ability of the public to inspect or copy the public records of the agency, including public records that are on-line or stored in an electronic recordkeeping system used by the agency.

(d) Subject to the restrictions of copyright and trade secret laws and public records exemptions, agency use of proprietary software must not diminish the right of the public to inspect and copy a public record.

(e) Providing access to public records by remote electronic means is an additional method of access that agencies should strive to provide to the extent feasible. If an agency provides access to public records by remote electronic means, such access should be provided in the most cost-effective and efficient manner available to the agency providing the information.

(f) Each agency that maintains a public record in an electronic recordkeeping system shall provide to any person, pursuant to this chapter, a copy of any public record in that system which is not exempted by law from public disclosure. An agency must provide a copy of the record in the medium requested if the agency maintains the record in that medium, and the agency may charge a fee in accordance with this chapter. For the purpose of satisfying a public records request, the fee to be charged by an agency if it elects to provide a copy of a public record in a medium not routinely used by the agency, or if it elects to compile information not routinely developed or maintained by the agency or that requires a substantial amount of manipulation or programming, must be in accordance with s. 119.07(4).

(3) If public funds are expended by an agency in payment of dues or membership contributions for any person, corporation, foundation, trust, association, group, or other organization, all the financial, business, and membership records of that person, corporation, foundation, trust, association, group, or other organization which pertain to the public agency are public records and subject to the provisions of s. 119.07.

[Abe Lincoln]

10:56 AM:

I stand by my comments and I know someone (staff) has broken the sunshine provision. Staff knows about the situation that I am addressing, just because we are old does not mean we do not know what is going on. Staff posting of of the sunshine law on this website is inaccurate, thus I will continue calling a spade a spade.

Kindest regards,

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the
Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

10:56 AM:

I stand by my comments and I know someone (staff) has broken the sunshine provision. Staff knows about the situation that I am addressing, just because we are old does not mean we do not know what is going on. Staff posting of of the sunshine law on this website is inaccurate, thus I will continue calling a spade a spade.

Kindest regards,

Abe Lincoln
Immediate Past Chairman of the
Republican Party of Florida

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds." - -- Abraham Lincoln

Once again, I am not staff. Can you please point out which parts of the Sunshine Law you posted above are inaccurate so I don't have to reread the entire thing. Also, could you specifically state how the sunshine law was broken and state the statute that correspondes with that violation of law?

By the way, what does age have to do with anything?

[Just wondering]

Has the Charlie Crist for Governor and the Julie Brown signs been removed from the fenced location on Gandy, I know the Shawn Harrison campaign removed their sign from behind the fence. Is there a reason why teh other campaign can't, even Barifield removed her signs from behind the fence. Is the Governor the exception to the rule?

[We the people]

Yes, it was taken down on thursday