“The Future of Florida” was the theme of the League of Women Voters of Florida’s Legislative Seminar and Convention in Tallahassee this past week, as members from across the state convened at the Capital to hear from legislators and newly appointed secretaries and to celebrate the contributions of elected women across the state.
Orange County League President Charley Williams, newly elected to the League State Board, said, “Public service has never been more important in Florida as we face a $3.8 billion budget shortfall challenge for next fiscal year. Consensus-building and healthy dialogue in all program areas are the bedrock of any government best-management practices. Who’s the CEO of this state? Answer: The people are! The League supports informed citizen input and encourages Florida to lead the way with open and meaningful dialogue as we take this state forward.”
League members learned about state policy issues, focusing on government ethics, citizens’ right to petition, campaign financing, health care, public education and growth management. Speakers included the new Department of Community Affairs secretary, Billy Buzzett, who discussed new directions for the DCA; Sen. Mike Fasano, who focused on his hard-hitting bill to improve ethics and accountability; and Rep. Will Weatherford, head of the House Appropriations Committee, who spoke about the Legislature’s effort to draw the new political district lines.
League members and guests also heard from Sen. Evelyn Lynn, who urged young women to run for office; Grace Nelson, the wife of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who shared stories from around the state and world on opening lines of communication and the need for civic engagement; and League of Women Voters of the United States president Elisabeth MacNamara, who focused on ensuring that American citizens’ right to cast their vote remains clear and open to all.
LWVF president Deirdre Macnab urged members to reach out to their community and encourage civil, active and informed participation, with a special challenge to Florida’s youth.
“There is no time to waste for our younger citizens,” Macnab said. “They must quickly gain the skills to become an active part of the solution. Learning public speaking and how to run civil, effective and professional meetings will be a League priority as we seek to get tomorrow’s leaders trained.”
In addition to the Orange County League, the Florida League has 29 active chapters across the state and is seeing an active resurgence of interest in their nonpartisan, inclusive and civil approach to public policy and politics. The League invites all interested in learning more to visit their website at www.orangevoter.com.
