“Play the Hole You’re On….”
By Kari Hebrank, Executive Vice President
On a chilly November 20, 2018, lawmakers convened in Tallahassee for the Organization Session.
Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) took charge of the Senate Chamber as Senate President and
opened his remarks by stating that “It has been a long election cycle, vigorously fought, and the
voters have spoken, as is the cornerstone of our democracy. But, now it is time to move forward
united in the purpose of serving, to the absolute best of our ability, the people of Florida.
“As we exchange ideas, debate the issues, and
vet our would-be laws, I ask that we do so with
civility and with the honor that is worthy of the
Florida Senate, and let us extend that honor and
decorum to our interactions with our friends in
the House, our Governor, our Cabinet, and most
certainly with our constituents.
“As Senate President, I have little ability to
change the national discourse or to stem the
tide of modern-day incivility that has become
so pervasive in an era of social media and the
24-hour news cycle. But I can tell you that while
I am serving as Senate President, the Florida
Senate will have civility, transparency, candor,
and opportunity. Including opportunity for the
people of Florida to be heard. Together, we
can strive to be an example other states and
governments can follow as to how to focus
on policy, not politics and on service, not
severance.”
NOVEMBER 2018 • DITCHMEN
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