Train Wreck of a Governor - St Pete Times on Rick Scott

[nashville_brook]

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/train-wreck-of-a-governor/1152035

A Times Editorial

Train wreck of a governor

Gov. Rick Scott rashly acted in his own political interests and sacrificed the best interests of Florida Wednesday by rejecting federal money for a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando. It is a reckless, devastating decision that has nothing to do with the merits of rail and everything to do with Scott's obsession with courting the tea party movement and fighting the Obama administration. Florida's state legislators and members of Congress should explore every option in salvaging a project that holds so much promise for the state's economy and Tampa Bay's future.

The consequences of Scott's grandstanding are clear. More than $2.4 billion from Washington? Gone. Five thousand construction jobs? Gone. A modern transportation link between two of the largest cities in the fourth-largest state? Gone. Thousands of additional jobs serving the line; billions of dollars more in private-sector investment; and the chance for an ever bigger bang by extending the system from Orlando to Miami? Gone, gone, gone.

After barely a month in office and no serious review, Scott killed an effort that a bipartisan group of the state's political and business leaders pursued for decades. He consigned motorists and commercial carriers along the Interstate 4 corridor to bigger traffic jams. He put taxpayers on the hook for expensive highway projects as the only way to improve moving people and goods between Tampa Bay and the theme park capital of the world. And he sent a message to the global business community that Florida lacks the vision and courage to invest in its future.

(snip)

[RagAss]

1. Calculated Evil.

[hlthe2b]

2. Four years of this? Florida will fall below Haiti.

How the hell this guy could have been elected is beyond most sane people to understand. I hope some solution arises. He's going to destroy Florida.

[DirkGently]

3. I think it's possible Rick Scott's goal is to do as much damage to FL as he possibly can.

Maybe to avoid something that could reflect well on Obama, or Democrats, or "gubment spending." Maybe just because he's the spawn of Satan.

But that's what he's doing.

[nashville_brook]

5. b/c this is an Obama initiative, their plan is to kill it...so, what? so they can lay claim to

the FAILURE.

well, mission accomplished.

[KeepItReal]

4. Dear Florida, Thank You from California.

"The Obama administration already has provided California with about $3.6 billion for high-speed rail construction. The money will help build the state's 123-mile initial segment, connecting Bakersfield with rural Madera County.

California's total includes $616 million diverted in December when Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio turned down their own federal grants. Then, as now, Obama administration officials voiced disappointment that states would reject high-speed rail funds but also vowed to find other takers.

"There is overwhelming demand for high-speed rail in other states that are enthusiastic to receive Florida's funding and the economic benefits it can deliver," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/02/16/108870/california-hopes-to-cash-in-on.html#ixzz1EBTkwchF

Every extra mile of track built by dollars Florida Gov. Scott petulantly refused means more jobs or longer contracts for the folks building rail here.

[Hugabear]

6. It seems insane that one person can make such an important decision on a whim

There was absolutely no consultation with other political leaders on this. Rick Scott has made it abundantly clear that he has little use for collaboration or bipartisanship. He basically acts like he is the King of Florida. When he unveiled his budget, he chose to do so at a Tea Party rally. He very rarely gives interviews, and actually dodges the media as much as possible.

King of Florida. That's what he pretty much acts like

[KeepItReal]

7. He sounds like Rick Perry in TX

That guy managed to win re-election without even showing up to debate his opponent

[nashville_brook]

8. there's actually some question as to whether this is lawful

this was approved by a popular Amendment to the Florida Constitution which passed with more than a 60% majority. this wasn't just a whim of Obama -- it was the WILL of the people of Florida.

[DirkGently]

13. He has the glassy-eyed stare of a megalomaniac.

"Gentlemen, the missiles are flying. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."

[flamingdem]

9. What state will get the funds now that FL won't? nt

[FLyellowdog]

10. He's an ass. nt

[WinkyDink]

11. Rick Scott, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, WTH?!

[Hugabear]

12. Sounds like a bunch of Dicks

n/t

[demwing]

14. What a Rick Head

and I mean that most sincerely

[mindwalker_i]

15. Hate to say it but...

Idiots voted for him or sat out. There's your bed, dude.

[DirkGently]

16. Right. Just like we all deserved Bush.