Ben Wilcox
Ben Wilcox
act citizens refuses
When the legislature refuses to act on an issue, citizens need to have some way to go around the legislature.
campaign committees finance giving help hoping interests people power return special typical wealthy
It's kind of typical campaign finance in Florida. You find these wealthy special interests who are giving to committees and candidates, people with power to help them. . . . They're doing it as an investment, hoping for a return on their investment.
committee disclose intent law money parties require spending
It's kind of troublesome. They're getting around the intent of the law to require that parties and committee disclose what they're spending their money on.
construct court given initiative map road
The court has given us a road map on how to construct an initiative that would be approved.
amendment coming drawing gives guidelines pass
It gives us some guidelines for coming back and drawing an amendment that will pass the court's muster.
cynical distract effort fact fairly florida issue process public treated voters
It's a fairly cynical effort on his part to distract the public from what's really the issue and that's the fact that the redistricting process in Florida is broken, and voters aren't being treated fairly.
benefit citizen directly due expected fact jobs leaves outside room standard weak wiggle
I would characterize the conflict-of-interest standard as pretty weak in the Legislature. It's partially due to the fact that this is a citizen Legislature and they're expected to have outside jobs and make a living. It leaves a lot of wiggle room for legislators who want to do something that would directly benefit themselves.
campaign certainly consumers
Consumers aren't able to make significant campaign contributions - and certainly not in that league.
arrogance best decisions past people rather seen session trust
I think we've seen in this session and in past sessions a kind of an arrogance from the legislature that they know best rather than the people. They don't trust the people to make decisions in their own interest.
taxpayer
I don't see why she couldn't make a contribution out of her own pocket. I don't know why she has to use taxpayer money.
attempt avenue believe campaign common deal finance interest serious special
I think it would be significant campaign finance reform. It would be a serious attempt to deal with what we believe is the most common avenue for special interest contributions.
businesses case good government governor helping ideas interest looking money people return shopping somebody spend willing
I just don't think businesses spend money like that just in the interest of good government and helping people get their ideas out. I think they're looking for a return on their investment. They're shopping in this case for a governor -- somebody willing to give them access.
committed election however issue lee pass senator sign top tough willing
It's going to come down to however much Senator Lee is willing to make this a top priority. It's a tough issue to pass in an election year. But every sign I've seen, Senator Lee is committed to making it a priority.
allowed bush campaign financing florida funding meant money party public raised stopped
Bush raised money up to that level, then stopped and allowed the party to take over the funding of the campaign and the advertising. After that point, public financing in Florida has not really been doing what it was meant to do in the beginning.