Where to begin with Gov. Rick Scott? The Tea Party outsider thumbed his nose at President Obama by turning down federal billions for high-speed rail before bids were even proffered then did a hypocritical, ideologically schizoid 180 and signed off on politically incestuous SunRail and Florida Poly. All gall and no guts.
His mantra: Florida must “live within its means.” But what does that mean? Starting a 12th state university–one in need of students, faculty, buildings, accreditation, subsidy and credibility–while gouging the budgets of the other 11–makes no sense. It’s a cynical dereliction of duty and an insult to anyone–from the bypassed Board of Governors to the ignored Florida Council of 100–who understands the needs of higher education within the context of a challenging economy.
Too bad Scott couldn’t keep that PR workday job for Southwest Airlines. Instead, we have two and a half more years of gubernatorial baggage.