Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/170820
Sarasota News Leader September 13, 2013 The Alliance isn't the only local organization gearing up for 2014. Rob Lewis, Sarasota County's director of community and intergovernmental relations, presented the county's list of legislative priorities to the County Commission Wednesday. That board's top priority is to be left alone. Lewis tells the Sarasota News Leader that one of the most pressing concerns each year is any legislation that might override local initiatives such as pain clinic and fertilizer rules. The county would also like its authority expanded, to be able to, for example, restrict smoking on county-owned properties. Additionally, it supports expanding Medicaid through ObamaCare. Page 37 meetings begin in just 10 days. Lewis says anywhere between 2,000 and 3,000 bills will be filed — with maybe 400 of them potentially affecting local government. "We have our radar on all year 'round." The County Commission quickly approved Lewis' report, with little feedback. The county works through the Florida Association of Counties to push some of its agenda in Tallahassee. That coalition will meet over the next few months to hammer out priority issues that affect local governments around the state. "Ninety-nine-point-nine percent, if not 100 percent of the time, we are in absolute consistency with the state association position," says Lewis. Lewis' outline of priorities was generated through meetings with and input from several county departments. "At the staff level, each of our major subject matter disciplines keep an eye on what's being proposed," Lewis says. The Community Alliance will be lobbying in Tallahassee directly. Ted Granger, president of the United Way of Florida, told Legislative Summit attendees this week that, far and away, the best means of having an impact on the legThe Legislature doesn't officially bang the islative process is in-person visits. "We gotta gavel on its 2014 session till next March, but do it — life is about relationships," he said. bills are already being filed, and committee "We've got to create those relationships." % "A man is not finished when he's defeated; he's finished when he quits." — Richard M. Nixon Neal Schafers My interest in photography reminded me about how my smile made me unhappy. A childhood accident caused my permanent teeth to come in askew. I had seen how Dr. Koval restored the smile of a friend's father. With Dr. Koval, we discovered I also had cracked fillings and a shifted jaw – all which she corrected. I am 100% satisfied with Dr. Koval's meticulous work and sincere care to make my smile look natural and picture-perfect. For a complimentary consultation call 941.923.5406 To view our extensive smile gallery, visit askdrkoval.com ENHANCE YOUR SMILE. ENHANCE YOUR LIFE. Christine Koval, D.M.D. Awarded 20 Gold Medals for Smile Makeovers by the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.