Our statement after
@Moms4Liberty @TinaDescovich was removed from the senate confirmation list for the Commission on Ethics appointment after our ethics complaint was filed..
“In the span of less than a year, the governor's appointments to the Ethics Commission have starkly contravened the commission's two cardinal prohibitions. First, the chair was compelled to resign for holding public office, and now, the chair's successor faces allegations of lobbying. These appointments, ostensibly entrusted with safeguarding ethical standards, have instead embodied the very breaches they are meant to avert, casting a long shadow over the integrity of the commission and, by extension, the discernment of the governor's selections. In Florida, it appears special interests trump conflicts of interest.
For the public to truly trust in the integrity and fairness of their government, it is imperative that the government itself adheres to the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct, especially in matters as critical as appointments to bodies like the Ethics Commission. The essence of governance, after all, rests upon the bedrock of public confidence—a confidence that is nurtured by transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to established laws and guidelines. When an individual, whose professional engagements inherently conflict with the principles and responsibilities of an Ethics Commission, is appointed to such a body, it not only undermines the commission's credibility but also erodes the foundational trust that sustains democratic institutions. If the government wishes to preserve and increase the public's faith in its processes and decisions, it must ensure that its actions, particularly regarding appointments to ethically sensitive positions, are in scrupulous compliance with its own laws and regulations. This commitment to lawful and principled governance is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative, crucial for maintaining the public’s trust and for the effective functioning of our democracy.
This week, Governor DeSantis presented a blistering statement, flanked by a "law and order" sign and a group of several dozen uniformed law enforcement officers, signaling a stern crackdown on spring break kids in Miami Beach. I can't help but ponder the potential impact if such rigorous enforcement and visible commitment were applied to upholding the laws governing his own appointees and elected officials that violate the Flordia laws they and he swore an oath to uphold.”