Ask The Governor -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

June 12, 2008

Ask the Governor: Debris on roads a serious issue

Q. A couple of months ago while traveling on I-95 near Daytona Beach, the truck in front of me lost the tread on one of its tires. Because of traffic, I could not swerve to avoid hitting the debris, which caused $1,500 damage to my auto. While talking to my insurance adjuster about my claim, I learned that there are many such collisions between cars and retread tire debris on Florida roads. Later, I learned that two of my friends had similar experiences within the last two years. Why does the state of Florida allow trucks on our roads using retread tires that won't hold up and disintegrate under normal road conditions? These tires leave hazardous and unsightly debris on the roads and right-of-way. I don't think anyone can drive more than a few hundred feet on any interstate without seeing such trash. I suggest that next time you drive on an interstate, please take note of such debris.

May 22, 2008

Ask the Governor: Let's support mass transit

Q. Why doesn't one city take the initiative and set up a reliable transportation system to be a model for other cities in Florida? This state has no level of excellence to aspire to. By reliable, I mean on-time performance and easy transfer connections. I have heard that in Canada, passengers set their watch by the bus system. A city without a mass transit system is not much of a city.

May 15, 2008

Ask The Governor: Give people the second chance they truly deserve

Q. I would like to know why there aren't more resources to help felons find jobs. I made some pretty stupid choices when I was younger, and I have paid my debt to society. I haven't been in any trouble with the law for a few years now and I have recently graduated from the Florida Educational Center with a 4.0 GPA and yet I still can't find a job that's willing to hire me. How long must I pay mentally and physically for the crimes I committed and paid for with a year of my life?

May 8, 2008

Ask The Governor: Early release not a solution for Florida's crowded prisons

Q. With the state prison system at critical levels, why doesn't the state look for early release and conditional release programs for those who are not a serious threat to society?

April 24, 2008

Ask the Governor: Pay raises, broader health coverage proposed for state workers

Q How do you justify paying state employees such small salaries and at the same time expect high-quality work from them?

April 17, 2008

Ask the Governor: School funding rose despite budget cuts

Q Before the vote on Amendment 1, you swore that Florida's schools would be held harmless in the cutbacks that would have to happen if the amendment passed. Now that it has passed, why are schools having to return money and prepare for even less next year?

April 11, 2008