We know that Gov. Charlie Crist is “innovative” and “open minded,” because he tells us so. We also know he’s all about “the people’s business,” because he keeps reminding us.
Here’s a suggestion: Governor, if you really want to earn that populist self-labeling, get out in front of what is the core, overriding issue in Florida: addressing a tax system that hasn’t fundamentally changed since LeRoy Collins was governor. And that sobering reality is now magnified as Florida flails at adjusting to the end of the rapid-growth era, a budget colored red and the onset of mortgage meltdowns and property tax-cut shell games.
It’s not nearly enough to look at revenues from gambling and bridge leasing and to delegate state services to locals. We’re talking about ending unnecessary sales tax exemptions, especially on services, and getting serious about collecting taxes on online shopping.
To date, Crist has made more news about his hot dates, vice presidential prospects and exotic trade-mission plans. It appears he’s leaving economic security entirely in the hands of the state’s Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which will have political cover from “tax-raising” taunts. The Commission can put constitutional changes directly onto the ballot. It meets every 20 years, and this is that year.
But it would certainly help if the governor would use his bully pulpit for something other than pushing an advertising campaign to bankroll passage of a dubious plan to cut property taxes.