010411_Scott_Good_for

News Articles

Gov. Rick Scott's inauguration: Local legislators say he'll be good for business

Northwest Florida Daily News, January 4, 2011.

Northwest Florida legislators left Tuesday’s inaugural events with the impression that new Gov. Rick Scott means business. Particularly when he’s talking about business.

“Today’s speech was one with optimism for our state. Gov. Scott clearly has heard around the state that business owners are frustrated with the bureaucracy and permitting processes,” said state Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna.

View a photo gallery from the inauguration.

State Rep. Brad Drake said Scott got elected by advocating governance from an outsider’s perspective.

Everything the new governor has done this week indicates he plans to be true to his word, Drake said.

“There are a lot of questions about where he wants to extend his policies that the Legislature will have to consider,” said Drake, R-DeFuniak Springs. “He’s said he wants to turn Tallahassee upside down and run it from the perspective of an outsider, and he seems to be living up to that.”

Drake said Scott’s mission is apparent in his appointments to state agencies and executive orders, and what he has said at meetings and in speeches.

State Rep. Matt Gaetz called Scott’s demeanor during the inauguration “laser focused.”

“What is so noticeable is the laser focus on economic development and job creation,” said Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach. “It’s the theme of every event and every speech.” Florida will be run much differently than it was during Gov. Charlie Crist’s term in office, he said. “The personality governor is gone. The policy governor has arrived,” Gaetz said.

In an e-mailed statement, state Republican Sen. Greg Evers said, “I look forward to working with Gov. Scott and his team to put forward policies and initiatives that build on the conservative foundation established in the Florida Legislature.”

“Today marks a new beginning of conservative leadership in our state that will put job growth and economic recovery first,” said Evers, of Baker. “By focusing singularly on getting Floridians back to work, we will bring brighter days to our great state.”