'The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows' -- Part 19: The "Destruction" caused by "Hurricane Jeb"

various, including: AP, NYT, myflorida ^ | Sept. 1, 2002 | summer

[summer]

FL's gov - "Hurricane Jeb"???

'The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows' -- Part 19: The "Destruction" caused by "Hurricane Jeb"

By summer -- a former Dem, now an independent and a FL certified teacher

Good thing I tune into the FL Dem Primary candidates' sole debate last week. Otherwise I would have missed the news announced by one Dem candidate, claiming Florida has been ravaged by a terrible storm the Dem labeled as "Hurricane Jeb."

Like parrots, all the Dem candidates concurred on cue, claiming Gov. Bush has "run the state into the ground" and "devastated" Florida.

Well, I thought - I'll have to take a closer look at this destruction, as I did not evacuate. Where exactly is this havoc I seem to have missed? I thought I was staying on top of events here in FL. But, maybe not….

One recent article I didn't get around to posting is this one:

Florida adds most jobs of any state for July

Thursday, August 22, 2002

By MIKE SCHNEIDER, Associated Press ORLANDO - Florida added 77,100 non-agriculture jobs last month, more than any other state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The ranking is the latest evidence that the Sunshine State has weathered the economic slowdown better than other parts of the nation, some economists said Wednesday. …

Apparently the Associated Press has not heard of the ruined State of Florida under "Hurricane Jeb." Instead, AP is reporting FL is leading the nation in creation of new jobs in the private sector. As of July 2002, FL -- under Gov. Jeb Bush -- is ranked #1 in the country for job growth.

What?! FL ranked #1 in proving jobs to working families? What a blight on our state!!!

This current #1 ranking is the same ranking FL received earlier this year, back in January 2002. And, amazingly, this news was actually reported in a front page article in the NYT HERE:

"Florida is the strongest significant economy in the country, hands down," said Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Economy.com, a research firm in West Chester, Pa., that follows regional trends.

So, let's get this straight: FL is now ranked #1 again in this important economic indicator.

Oh, the ruin! The shame! To want to vote for the governor of the state TWICE ranked #1 in job growth during an election year! The horror of it all!

Now, of course, I know there are cynics reading this who think all such new jobs must pay minimum wage. And all these new jobs are bound to be located in fast food franchises or Disney World, because after all, this is FL.

Not so fast, dear cynical reader.

IMO, the creation of new jobs is closely linked to a little known fact, below -- a fact not reported by AP or by the NYT -- but well known to the business community in this state, most of who read FL Trend magazine. Here is something their informed readers know, but the rest of the press has not bothered to publicize:

"Florida leads the nation in the number of new business incorporations. The secretary of state's office reports that more than 121,000 new businesses incorporated in Florida last year. Small businesses make up over 98% of all businesses in the state and are responsible for over 48% of all non-farm employment." --

from the article An Optimistic Outlook, FL Trend Magazine, April 2002.

In case you missed it, I'll say it again:

"Florida leads the nation in the number of new business incorporations."

Consequently, FL takes the top spot in yet another #1 national ranking: the creation of more new businesses -- in addition to the creation of more new jobs nationwide.

Oh, the slaughter! The desolation wrought by "Hurricane Jeb"!

Good grief. These FL Dem gov candidates really spew nonsense in their effort to get votes. As a teacher, I am often dismayed by their apparent failure to do their homework -- and to come up with just ONE fact, especially in the all important economic arena.

Had they made an effort to see what is happening in this state, they would find example after example of domestic and international businesses expanding in FL, relocating in FL, and choosing FL over other potential locations to engage in business (see the "FACTS" section below this essay).

And, it's not just the sunny weather bringing these businesses here. Credit has to be given to a governor whose goal is to keep people employed, and who gets personally involved to attract and retain businesses (see the "PHOTO" section below this essay).

There's no doubt Gov. Bush has sought to make FL an attractive place to do business, AND he has truly continuously succeeded on this measure of his leadership, for the benefit of ALL.

So what's the real result of "Hurricane Jeb?" JOBS, JOBS and MORE JOBS . FL is #1 in NEW JOBS. FL is #1 in new business incorporations. FL is continuously #1 NATIONWIDE.

Obviously, the the many business owners and employees endorsing Gov. Bush were just as turned off as I was by the Dems' blatantly false criticism of Gov Bush's economic policies for this state.

Perhaps during this Labor Day weekend, as we renew and restore our energies for work next week, we can also take a moment to send this thread to our friends and relatives in FL. Let's help remind FL voters which gov candidate is truly FOR working families.

After all, he's the one and only candidate who's already worked hard in creating a proven track record of keeping FL #1 in the nation for creating new jobs and new business: Gov. Jeb Bush, AKA: The Calm in the Eye of a Storm.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few FACTS about the "destruction" cause by "Hurricane Jeb":

From the state's online media center web site, at www.myflorida.com:

Government > Search > News Releases Archives > Search Results

News Releases

Governor Bush Announces Israeli Electronics Company Chooses Florida as U.S. HeadquartersAugust 28, 2002

"Visit Florida" Awarded Top National Travel Industry for Response to Post September 11th

August 23, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH PRAISES FLORIDA-BASED RETAILER'S DECISION TO EXPAND FACILITIES August 15, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH COMMENDS CHRIS-CRAFT'S DECISION TO EXPAND IN FLORIDA August 12, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES RAILROAD COMPANY TO EXPAND FLORIDA OPERATIONS June 04, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH DEDICATES NEW FLORIDA BIOPHARMACEUTICALS PLANT April 15, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES FLORIDA APPAREL COMPANY TO EXPAND OPERATIONS AND CREATE 125 NEW JOBS April 10, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES HI-TECH SIMULATION BUSINESS TO EXPAND IN CENTRAL FLORIDA April 09, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH PRAISES COLLIER COUNTY BUSINESS FOR DECISION TO EXPAND CORPORATE AND MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS March 12, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW COCA-COLA SHARED SERVICES FACILITY February 11, 2002

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES GENERAL ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS TO EXPAND WORKFORCE October 24, 2001

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES WEB-BASED HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY TO EXPAND CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN POMPANO BEACH July 26, 2001

GOVERNOR BUSH TO LEAD "TEAM FLORIDA" MISSION TO EXPAND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN CHILE AND ARGENTINA March 07, 2001

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES CRAIG/IS TO RELOCATE HEADQUARTERS TO JACKSONVILLE November 06, 2000

GOVERNOR BUSH COMMENDS GE HARRIS COMPANY DECISION TO EXPAND OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA August 08, 2000


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A few PHOTOS of the "destruction" caused by "Hurricane Jeb":


Governor Bush touring Gaylord Palms Resort grand opening
in Osceola County, FL.


Governor Bush speaks at the opening of a new Nabi
Biopharmaceuticals manufacturing facility in Boca Raton.


Governor Bush at Coca-Cola Event in Tampa.


Governor Bush meeting with the Tampa Chamber of Commerce


Governor Bush promoting tourism at American Business
Association Conference in Kissimmee.


Governor Bush and small business owner receiving help.


Governor Bush speaks at Florida Realtors Association Conference.


Governor Bush speaking to employees at America II
Electronics.

[summer]

If you have a moment, please give this thread a bump, to help the lurking, undecided FL voter see it! Thanks, and have a great holiday! :)

[summer]

For index.

[summer]

FYI. :)

[summer]

Good thing I tune = Good thing I tuned...

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks for the ping =^)

[summer]

I thought you might find this interesting; if not, never mind! :)

[summer]

Thanks, JH2. :)

[JohnHuang2]

Quite welcome *Smiles*

[summer]

FYI. :)

[summer]

:)

[summer]

PS In light of Labor Day, I thought this topic appropriate, but, the topic I promised you is coming up... :)

[summer]

I meant: What?! FL ranked #1 in providingjobs

[summer]

FYI. :)

[nmh]

Do you really think Jeb has done a bangup job with CHild Welfare services too? Don't get me wrong, I'm a registered, voting Republican but having a toddler ... really drives home just how helpless these little ones are. I think it's a disgrace for Jeb NOT to address how Child Welfare can "lose kids" and nothing happens.

[Dog Gone]

to help the lurking, undecided FL voter see it!

If any Florida voter is undecided at this point, I reckon he or she will be undecided whether to vote or not.

The contrasts between the candidates could not be more clear, and the only reason I can think for any hesitation in voting for Jeb is because he belongs to a party that the voter is unaccustomed to supporting.

[summer]

Actually, he has addressed this repeatedly, and recently, and I will post a link for you. In addition, for the first time, I read an article about another state's problems with child welfare - the state of Michigan can't find 300+ kids. This is not a situation unique to FL.

[summer]

the only reason I can think for any hesitation in voting for Jeb is because he belongs to a party that the voter is unaccustomed to supporting.

True, but, here in FL, many people cross over. And, since Gov Bush has demonstrated his leadership over these past 4 years, I think it will be a landslide - no matter who he's up against. Thanks for your post, Dog. :)

[summer]

FYI -- Gov Bush Applauds Plan to Locate Missing Children - August 2002

[another cricket]

I read an article about another state's problems with child welfare - the state of Michigan can't find 300+ kids. This is not a situation unique to FL.

Sadly very true. It has to do with the way the CPS is structured. Nobody has time to check up on the social workers who are suppose to be checking up on the kids. But they have all the time in the world to pick at private adoption agencies.

a.cricket

[summer]

FYI --

AUGUST 30, 13:25 ET

Michigan Agency Loses 302 Children

DETROIT (AP) — The state has lost track of 302 abused and neglected children — 189 of them from the county encompassing Detroit, according to the Michigan Family Independence Agency.

FIA spokeswoman Karen Smith said the ``vast majority'' of the missing youths are older than 14 and that many of them are runaways from foster care.

Teenage girls, especially those who come from homes where they were abused or neglected, often run off with boyfriends they think they are in love with, Smith told the Detroit Free Press for a Friday story.

The issue comes as Florida struggles with similar problems.

Last April, Florida authorities discovered a 5-year-old foster child named Rilya Wilson had been missing for 15 months. That state's Department of Child and Family Services came under intense criticism after reports that 500 children were missing.

In the wake of Florida's problems, Smith said, the Michigan FIA began reviewing the placements of all 19,000 abused and neglected children under its charge. Caseworkers were checking with relatives of the 302 missing children for any leads, she said.

The fact that hundreds of Michigan foster children are missing disturbs some child advocates.

``How can you have a system in place and not know where 189 children are?'' said Nannette Bowler, director of the Chance At Childhood Program at Michigan State University and the Detroit College of Law in East Lansing.

The agency has procedures to notify local police and juvenile courts immediately when a foster child is missing, said Mark Jasonowicz, FIA's deputy director.

Police agencies handle such reports by waiting for a child to turn up in a traffic stop or other action. But not by conducting door-to-door searches, officials said.