By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-969199.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Motorists crossing state lines can now see the Florida Governor's name welcoming drivers into the state of Florida. Sascha Cordner reports, opponents say the signs come during a time when Scott is supposed to be making cuts, while the Governor's office says Scott has good intentions.
The Florida Department of Transportation normally offers a new incoming Governor a chance to put up welcoming signs at highways along state lines. In the past, Governors have usually said no to the signs at every border crossing from Alabama to Georgia. Now, drivers crossing the state lines will see "Welcome to Florida: The Sunshine State" and underneath that: Governor Rick Scott.
Lane Wright, Press Secretary for the Governor's Office, says the Governor had the best interests of Florida in mind.
"From the beginning, Governor Scott has taken a very active role in marketing the great state of Florida. And the sub-panels below DOT's welcome to Florida signs are just one inexpensive way to show those who travel into the state that he is committed to making Florida the best place to visit."
But, opponents, like Florida Democratic Party Spokesman Eric Jotkoff says the signs may have cost less than 9-thousand dollars, but he believes Scott still had no right:
"For Rick Scott to spend taxpayer dollars to pump up his ego by putting welcome signs across at every border crossing across Florida from Georgia is just shameful, considering no other Governor in modern history has done that."
Lane Wright with the Governor's Office, says all Scott was doing was showing how much he wants people to think about coming to Florida to live and start a business as they drive into the state.
"Essentially, it's just showing people that come here that the Governor cares about this state, and he wants people to know he's supporting people coming to the state."
But, Jotkoff says Scott owes all Floridians an apology for his actions.
"Rick Scott has traveled the state celebrating a budget that lays off literally tens of thousands of firefighters, police officers, and teachers across the state and yet he can find enough money to pay for enough signs to promote his ego. That's just shameful and wrong, and that's why Rick Scott should reimburse the state for these signs and apologize to the state of Florida."
Jotkoff says the Florida Democratic Party has received multiple calls from people complaining about the sub-panels with the Governor's name on them that can be seen along the borders.
It's actually not the first time a Governor in the United States has done this before, because Governors in other states have done the same. The Florida Department of Transportation says they cannot remember the last time a Governor has said yes to the signs.