Annette Taddeo: Resign, Sen. Latvala

Saying she too has been a victim of sexual misconduct, just-elected Miami Sen. Annette Taddeo, D-Miami, joined the chorus of lawmakers calling for Sen. Jack Latvala to resign so the Senate can get back to the people's business.

Annette Taddeo

"While speaking out is never easy, I know in my heart I cannot stay silent any longer. Without going into details, I have been subjected to inappropriate behavior as a young woman by a religious leader. While I did not speak out publicly then, I know today, I have an opportunity to add my voice to a movement that I hope reshapes our society. We cannot tolerate anything less than respect from any individual -- period.

“I was proud to be elected to serve in the Florida Senate this fall because of the opportunities to advance meaningful policies that make families lives better. Sadly, the recent controversy surrounding Sen. Jack Latvala has all but derailed our focus on policy discussions and continues to consume the Legislature.

“The hostile environment and the continued harassment of employees is simply wrong and must end. To do that, I firmly believe Sen. Jack Latvala must resign as the mounting news accounts and ongoing details surrounding his circumstances without a doubt have created a distraction from representing his constituents.

“I believe Sen. Jack Latvala has an opportunity to put service and people first -- and that starts by resigning his seat so we can get back to the business of Floridians.”

Other senators who have called for Latvala's resignation are Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, and Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast.

On Tuesday Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation who as a child was raped and tortured by her nanny for six years, filed a formal complaint with the Senate Rules Committee over Latvala's offensive against his accuser, legislative aide Rachel Perrin Rogers.