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Crist Trip Questioned
Governor Charlie Crist's 11-day trade trip to Europe has left a door open for critics.
The purpose of the tour is to bring back some business to Florida and look at alternative energy sources, but some Democrats have criticized the trip to London, Paris, Madrid, Spain, and St. Petersburg, Russia.
University of North Florida Political Science Professor Matthew Corrigan says Crist risks getting some bad PR. "If he can get something out of this trip that's concrete, I think he'd be fine, but if he doesn't, I think people will question why he's traveling over their right now spending taxpayer money while the state is struggling," said Corrigan.
Corrigan says Crist faces a challenge with his connection to John McCain as well, since he needs to show he's working on improving Florida while still occasionally campaigning for the likely GOP presidential nominee, who is said to have Crist on his list for potential running mates.
What others are saying
- International Trade Benefits FloridaCriticism of Governor Crist’s European trade mission has been shortsighted. Focusing on international trade is a smart strategy for Florida during these tough economic times.
Despite our frustration with the high cost of gas, the job market and rising prices, we must keep a can-do spirit to grow Florida’s economy. Our path to a more prosperous Florida requires us to find new economic opportunities, even if they are international.
International trade generates jobs and grows our state’s tax base, which funds community assets like roads and schools. Employment related to exporting manufactured goods accounts for 1 of every 54 private sector jobs in Florida.
Florida’s small and medium-size companies benefit greatly from international trade. Nearly 34,700 businesses in Florida sell their products overseas, and they all employ Floridians. 93% of those businesses are small and medium-size companies.
Promoting Florida as a global market leader is a good investment. Global demand for $33.4 billion in Florida-produced manufactured goods generates nearly 124,900 jobs. These jobs are supported by Florida businesses fulfilling customers’ needs around the world.
Leadership sometimes requires doing what’s unpopular. I applaud Governor Crist and our state’s business leaders for their efforts to create more jobs and prosperity for Florida through international trade.
Dan Krassner, Florida Chamber of Commerce - politician`s big spendpoliticians are feeding at the trough on the fruit of our labor, and laughing at us all!
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