Forests, Politics, and Results, Continued

TREEPAC, the Florida Forestry Association's political action committee, supported candidates, both Republican and Democratic, in 52 state senate and house races. Of those, 43 were winners. Such support yields our members an ear of the senators and representatives when we have an issue.  About 40 years ago, I was one of 45 Florida Forestry Assn. members who went to the legislature close to the end of the session.  Pitch canker had recently been identified as a serious pine tree disease and little was known about it. The budget had been passed and sent to the governor's desk for signature. We talked with most of the legislators and had the budget returned for reconsideration. $100,000 for pitch canker research was added to the budget and returned to the governor. Without us being known quantities, it would not have happened.

Please support TREEPAC.

Call me with any questions about acquisitions or disposals of timber land. 
Henry D. Rogers, CCIM, ALC.  Direct line 904-421-8537, cell 904-614-4828
Coldwell Banker Commercial Benchmark, Real Estate Brokers

Below is a FORESTER commentary of this year's election.

ELECTIONS OVERVIEW Jim Spratt, Florida Forestry Association Lobbyist
The 2016 election cycle will most likely be remembered as one of the most combative in history – beginning long before the primary and lasting through the general election.  The harsh criticisms levied during coarse and protracted debates served to increase voter fatigue, which was already at an all-time high from the persistent battles between President Obama and Congress. 
The election was historic.  Donald Trump’s victory is the first time a person without any government service at all – in the military or elected office – was elected president.  A Clinton victory would have marked the first time a female would have been elected president.   
As one of the swing states most likely to decide this election, Trump and Clinton campaigned across Florida in the final days.  The day before Tuesday’s general election, polls in Florida showed Clinton and Trump in a virtual tie.  At that time, it was estimated that more than 6.4 million Floridians had cast their ballots either through early voting or by absentee ballot.  The final day for early voting saw record numbers across Florida.  When all ballots were cast, Florida saw an upswing in voter turnout of 74.2 percent.  In the end, Trump won Florida’s 29 electoral votes. 
The tough election cycle did not bring about significant changes to the U.S. Senate or Congress nor to the Florida Senate or House of Representatives. In fact, during the state legislature’s upcoming organizational session, Senate President- Desginate Joe Negron (R- Stuart) and House Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran (R- Land O’ Lakes) will assume their respective roles as the presiding officers of their chambers. 
Speaking of state elections, TREEPAC – the Association’s political action committee -- invested in the campaigns of 52 candidates seeking office this election cycle. An impressive 43 of those candidates were elected to their respective positions. Thank you to the Florida Forestry Association members who support the TREEPAC with their generous contributions. Maintaining a robust PAC allows the Association to support pro-business, agricultural friendly candidates, regardless of their party affiliation. In addition, TreePAC is an important arrow in the Association’s governmental affairs quiver. PAC contributions provide an avenue to begin the educational process about Florida’s diverse and dynamic forestry industry.
Looking past 2016 
One area not in the mix this election cycle was the state’s executive branch, i.e. the Florida Cabinet.  The Governor and all three Cabinet officers will vacate their seats in 2018, having reached their eight-year term limit.  The race to fill those coveted positions will undoubtedly be contentious and full of twists and turns. As of the writing of this report, the scuttlebutt suggests: Gov. Rick Scott is posturing for a run at the US Senate; CFO Jeff Atwater is rumored to be exploring both a congressional or gubernatorial run; and Attorney General Pam Bondi may well find herself working in the Trump administration, potentially as the US Attorney General. Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam has been forthright about his plan to seek election as Florida’s next governor.
In addition, several other Republicans have already begun exploring the logistics of a statewide candidacy including: Outgoing Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli (potential Commissioner of Agriculture), Former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford (potential gubernatorial run), Incoming
Senate President Joe Negron (potential Attorney General), Incoming Speaker Richard Corcoran (potential Attorney General, although recently more talk on a gubernatorial bid).
On the Democratic side: Trying to right the ship and recover from an election which saw no significant gains and no victories of any statewide significance, the entire Florida Democratic Party is poised for a leadership shake up. Certainly, some would argue the Democrats have some rising stars within their ranks including: US Congresswomen Gwen Graham (daughter of former US Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham), City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and – lest we forget – other names like State Senators Chris Smith, Oscar Braynon, Dan Gelber and Rod Smith. 
The Scott/ Trump Impact:
Certainly, in political circles there is growing anticipation regarding the next potential “self-funded” surprise. Florida’s Governor Rick Scott started this trend in Florida nearly eight years ago when he splashed onto the scene and “dismantled” the establishment. Again, during this election cycle we see Donald Trump tap into this anti-establishment segment of the electorate. This begs the question of who is next? Does the most famous Florida billboard face, Attorney John Morgan, decide he wants to run statewide in Florida? Are we one step away from a casino mogul like Sheldon Adelson running for statewide office? Your guess is as good as mine. However, one thing is for certain: Florida voters have cemented their place as one of the most sought after, fickle and truly unpredictable electorates.
Final Thoughts:
I am certain Association members are thankful for this election cycle to be completed. However, there is no rest for the weary. The Association is currently putting together its 2017 Legislative agenda, preparing for the 2017 Florida Legislative Session and -- we hate to admit it --  already planning for the 2018 election cycle. 
Thank you again for your continued support of the Association and thank you for all that you do to lead Florida’s forestry Industry forward.