A proposal to block the public’s access to state employees’ records could cause one Republican candidate to go against the Governor’s open government policy. But, the challenger in the House District 9 race says he’s just doing what he thinks the people want.
House District 9 Republican candidate Bradley Maxwell says he entered the race because he believes Leon County has not had an effective representative.
“Leon County and specifically House District 9 is home to more state employees than any other district in the state, and this district has been left effectively without representation for the past four years,” said Maxwell.
Maxwell says looking at his opponent’s record, Democratic Representative Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasilinda has not filed any legislation that helps state employees.
“When you have 6 bill slots per year to file, and four years, that’s 24 opportunities and when you look at what’s been done, that’s what I’m referring to,” said Maxwell.
But, incumbent Rehwinkel-Vasilinda says in her four years as District 9’s Representative, she’s stood up for state employees in many ways. That includes helping to stop the closure of Jefferson Correctional Institution, which initially had the county in a state of economic emergency.
“And, I was very prominent at the table and a key player, and the Governor’s office has actually complimented me specifically for helping to help broker that deal to keep the prison open and keep Jefferson County alive and kicking, so they can get some more economic development there,” said Rehwinkel-Vasilinda.
Maxwell says after talking to thousands of state employees within House District 9, he believes their needs are not being met.
So, in the interest of state employees, Maxwell plans to file a bill that would block public access to their pay and personnel records, like their salary.
"I was really surprised to find out how readily available the personal information of our state employees is," said Maxwell. "When I was doing my research, I have many family members, my aunt and some others, who worked for the state, and I was shocked at how easily identifiable their personal information was on a website. I support the Sunshine Law, not public voyeurism.”
However, the proposal differs from Governor Rick Scott’s open government policy agenda, where the public has access to those records online at FloridaHasARightToKnow.org. Scott launched the web site last year.
