Gov. Charlie Crist Deserves an "A"

Kingsley Guy | COLUMNIST

January 6, 2008

Leading a state during the best of times is a difficult task, but look at what Gov. Charlie Crist inherited when he took office 12 months ago: Windstorm insurance rates that were going through the roof; a property tax revolt; a housing boom turned bust; a slowing economy and dwindling tax revenues.Despite all these problems, most Floridians are surprisingly upbeat. That's due in no small measure to the leadership of perpetually optimistic Crist, who deserves credit for his efforts to forge consensuses on vital issues.

For his first year on the job, give the governor an A.

Insurance rates are still high, but finally there's an administration in Tallahassee willing to say "no" to demands of insurance companies. The state has given consumers options, and new insurance companies are beginning to write policies in Florida. It won't happen overnight, but expect the increased competition to push premiums down.

Property taxes may not have "dropped like a rock," as Crist said they would, but they have fallen, and will fall even more if voters on Jan. 29 approve a tax-related constitutional amendment. The measure also will provide property tax "portability." It's a good compromise that won't gut the ability of local governments to provide services. Because of Crist's support, the amendment has a good chance of reaching the 60 percent threshold needed for passage.

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Crist also has turned down the thermostat on partisan politics and is governing pragmatically in a centrist state. His appointment of former Attorney General Bob Butterworth, a Democrat, to head the Department of Children & Families shows Crist is more interested in getting things done than scoring partisan points.

He's also worked well with Democrats in the Legislature. Among them is Rep. Jack Seiler from Broward. "Charlie Crist is sincere, hard working and a good guy," Seiler said. "He wants to do the right things for the right reasons."

In a successful first year in office, Crist has laid the groundwork for future cooperation on such things as education and health care. In this era of hyper-partisanship, his pragmatic centrism is a welcome change.