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Statement of Carol Roberts February 19, 2001 A little more than a year ago, I found myself in the eye of a storm. The whole country ? actually the whole world ? was watching Palm BeachCounty and the drama that was the aftermath of the election of 2000. As I look back on that experience, I realize that there were lessons to learn beyond the need for election reform. I was reminded in this dramatic way that democracy requires that we protect the involvement of every citizen and that the failure of government practices and policies can change the course of history. For almost 30 years I have devoted myself to local government. There have been many successes. Residents enjoy this park because local government made it happen. Tri-rail takes thousands of people to work each day, easing traffic congestion, because local governments made it happen. There are thousands of acres of protected lands like the Loxahatchee Preserve because local government made it happen. Local government has provided needed housing, services for the victims of domestic violence, incentives for businesses to locate here, and support for our growing cultural programs. It was Tip O?Neill who said that all politics is local and I have worked hard to make the City of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County progressive, responsive and affordable. But for all of these years, I also have shared the frustration of most local elected officials. All local governments are at the mercy of the federal government that taketh away, but does not always give. I have watched as Florida has been continually shortchanged on federal funding. We rank near the bottom of all states in federal per capita spending in transportation, agriculture, education and veterans programs. The result is a strained state budget and higher local taxes. In recent years I have been dismayed as Congress failed to invest in education and healthcare, and has under-funded our transportation needs. But I have been particularly appalled to watch the strongest economy in our nation?s history, with historic surpluses, become a recession with deficits. The Republicans in Washington can try to blame September 11 for all our financial woes, but I believe the people of South Florida know better. Like all Americans, I support our President in his leadership on the War Against Terrorism. And I aggressively support Homeland Security initiatives. But the folly of failed fiscal policy and misplaced priorities have caused the surpluses to vanish and the deficits of Reagan and Bush to return. The Republican majority voted for a tax cut last spring that stretched out over 10 years. I have worked on over 25 local budgets, I know that Palm BeachCounty would have a fiscal mess if we ever passed a budget that boxed us into budget parameters 10 years in advance. Responsible government officials should plan ahead but mustbudget based on real numbers, not projections. As it turns out, the projections used by Congress proved false in just a matter of months proving, the folly of such an approach. If the CountyCommissioners in Broward or Palm BeachCounty did business this way, I doubt they would be in office for long. We need to set new priorities in Washington and we need new Members of Congress to make that happen. So today I am announcing my candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in the 22nd District of Florida. We have given Clay Shaw a chance, but his time is up. I know that this Congress ? and Congressman Shaw ? have only given lip service to prescription drugs for seniors, a real Patients? Bill of Rights, sane environmental policies, and the protection of Social Security and Medicare without endangering both with privatization schemes. I am offering an alternative to the people of the 22nd District. I am offering a Congresswoman who promises not to follow in lock step with Dick Armey and Tom Delay. Clay Shaw has a lot to answer for and I intend to ask the questions. He needs to explain his unconscionable vote to give retroactive tax refunds to some of the nations largest corporations. Clay Shaw voted with the Republican leadership to give $1.4 billion ? yes, billion ? to IBM, and additional huge checks to General Motors, Ford and even to Enron. The Republicans called it stimulus but most economists agree that the plan that Clay Shaw supported would do little to help the economy but a lot to satisfy corporate greed. Why did he not demand significant help for South Floridians who have lost their jobs or some relief for state and local government? Why did he instead support a bailout of Enron? I?m going to ask Clay Shaw why Congress failed to protect the employees of Enron and their pensions. Why did Congress not follow the proposals of the SEC Chairman that would have disallowed the Anderson firm to both audit and consult with Enron? If Congress had followed those suggestions, maybe Enron?s unstable house of cards would have been detected while there was still time to protect the workers. And I?m going to ask Clay Shaw what happened to that prescription drug benefit for seniors that he supported in the last campaign. Seniors are paying more today for drug costs with no relief in sight from Clay Shaw. Remember, Clay Shaw stood right here in Palm BeachCounty beside Senator John McCain and pledged to support campaign finance reform. But when the vote came and many of his Republican stood up to their leadership, Clay Shaw broke his pledge to his friend John McCain and voted no. Is it because Clay Shaw is one of the major recipients of political money from Enron and Anderson? He is a partner in this disgrace of special interests and the failure of Congress to protect the employees of Enron and it?s stockholders. Clay Shaw made a promise during the heat of a tough campaign and then broke it. Now, he is going to have to answer for that. Yes, Clay Shaw has a lot to answer for and I pledge a vigorous campaign that will address the issues that matter most to the people of South Florida. We all know what kind of campaign Clay Shaw prefers. But, this campaign will be different, I challenge Clay Shaw to discuss and debate the real concerns of the constituents of the 22nd district. Those that have watched my years of service know that I am not an ideologue. I respect the good work of government while also respecting the vital role of business. I know that most problems need a consensus to solve them and strong bridges must be built between labor, business and citizens groups to be effective. I am a committed Democrat but I will never put party loyalty above the well being of my constituents or abandon my own judgment and values. I chose to make my announcement at this park because it exemplifies my approach to effective government. This park is a partnership with the State of Florida and the federal government. The County sought the support of its residents and pledged to use bond money for projects that everyone can use and enjoy. It also reminds me why each of us has chosen to live along the coast. South Florida provides the best lifestyle and quality of life for young and old, and I will continue in my work to protect it. My parents were immigrants who found freedom and opportunity in America. I was raised in a family that honored diversity and loved our country. I raised six children here, in public schools, and taught them that government is our collective voice and is only as good as those who are willing to serve. The only good government is one that has compassion for those in need, hears all voices and provides opportunity for all. Today I will give this campaign my all. I will miss my work on the Commission next year, but look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the House of Representatives. Thank you. |
