Republican Nancy Argenziano knows her way around Tallahassee. She knows which rugs to look under and which closets to open.
Of course she does: she served in Florida's Senate and House. More recently, she served on Florida's Public Service Commission: one of only two commissioners who consistently fought to protect us consumers against the state utitlity companies' ever-growing appetite for lower standards and higher rates.
Nancy knows where the dirt is, and she knows details. Sunday, the Ocala Star Banner published an op-ed by Nancy that's worth reading. Early on, she states:
"Policy has been selling for a high price in Tallahassee. Just follow the money, then follow the legislation all the way to becoming the law. Make no mistake, we are being sold out and heading toward a society ruled by a corporate oligarchy.
"The interests affected include nursing home residents and workers, corrections officers, teachers, children, state employees, water protection laws, the developmentally disabled, law enforcement officers, the environment, and so much more. All under attack."
Yes, this comes from a long-time Republican (a successful one at that). Nancy points out data that might interest Florida's state employees (whose retiremenet and job security seem to be in jeopardy):
"Florida is tied for last in the ratio of state employees to residents (118 per 10,000, where the national average is 216 per 10,000) and last in the ratio of cost of state employee workforce per resident ($38 per resident vs. a national average of $69), according to the 2008-09 State Personnel System Annual Workforce Report. I would characterize this as reflecting a state workforce which is, nationally, first in efficiency.
"Yet what does the Scott/Senate President Mike Haridopolis/Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon plunderbund do? Penalize that efficiency, stab state workers in the back, further savage a workforce that hasn't had a raise in five years, to effectively decrease their income by reneging on the bargain and requiring pension contributions, pensions which average in the lowest national tier."
Plunderbund? Yeah, Nancy has long been known for straight shooting.
In 2001, she responded to the distasteful actions of an industry lobbyist by sending that lobbyist a 25-pound box of manure. Some newspapers criticized her, but she also received an outpouring of support. For example, then-Attorney General Bob Butterworth wrote her a note asking, "Why only 25 pounds?"
Only in Florida, right? At any rate, if you want an insider's view of what's been going on, check out Nancy's op-ed.
You really kept me updated thanks.
Posted by: Shobi | March 16, 2011 at 04:08 AM
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-15/four-people-who-get-why-wall-street-can-scoff-commentary-by-susan-antilla.html
Posted by: Steve | March 20, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Nice.
I'm surprised, though. Is the portion of state workers really as high as 1% to 3% ?
Posted by: daniel noe | March 24, 2011 at 04:30 PM
You might want to check your facts before printing inaccurate foolishness. Argenziano voted with the other commissioners unanimously to increase water rates at AIG owned Wedgefield Utilities by over 50%, although the utility was in violation of federal EPA water quality standards at the time of her "consumer" vote. Our water is the most expensive and prettiest brown water you ever saw thanks to Argenziano and her legion. If she is a consumer advocate, Florida doesn't need any of this consumer advocacy. Good Riddance Nancy!
Posted by: Michael J. Duggar | April 01, 2011 at 11:44 PM
Does anyone writing on this site make $120/hr like some of the union teachers in Wisconsin? What a bunch of babble. Get a real job!
Posted by: John | May 23, 2011 at 09:57 PM
Separate Florida?
Posted by: Erection pills | May 26, 2011 at 07:08 PM
This is really interesting blog, because I have interes for this publication.
I wach penis videos in http://www.penis-videos.com because I want to learn how to make bigger penis http://www.how-make-your-penis-bigger.com with these erection pills - http://www.erectionenlargement.com
Posted by: Erection pills | August 02, 2011 at 02:45 AM
A number of us learn all of the compelling way you produce rewarding information through this blog and as well strongly encourage contribution from others on the area so my girl is in fact being taught a lot of things.
Posted by: forum watches | August 11, 2011 at 01:59 AM
Евтин сайт, само за 60лв на година с ДДС, предлаган от 1000фирми - проект на Фай груп. Евтини уеб сайтове с възможност за допълнителни услуги предлагани от разработчика.
Posted by: Сайтове | September 25, 2011 at 06:24 AM
Thak you for sharing them with us , I think it's worth reading
Posted by: Evering2010 | October 11, 2011 at 05:32 AM
very happy to read your blog.Thank you for sharing this article.It is great!
Thanks for sharing this nice post.I will keep your article in my idea.
Posted by: Soccer Jerseys | October 13, 2011 at 03:34 AM
So lovely.Wish you happiness.Good luck.GHNFZ
Posted by: uggs outlet store | November 06, 2011 at 03:35 AM
Geez, Deb (or is this Damozel?). Doesn't Tyepad have controls to catch comment spam? Wordpress does a pretty good job, though now we are dealing with pingback spam.
Anyway, Argenziano's is a great OpEd, so thanks for posting it. Plunderbund indeed.
Posted by: Charles | November 12, 2011 at 06:33 PM
well, thanks for sharing this impotant information with us. i didnt knew it.
Posted by: boxing machine | December 06, 2011 at 03:31 AM
Definitely agree with the legislature, they should be stopped immediately with these guidelines
Posted by: cartoner | January 14, 2012 at 02:08 PM
I have not found what I wanted
Posted by: Justin | January 18, 2012 at 10:08 AM