There are several Democrats who work well with the Republican majority in the Florida Senate but Bill Montford is increasingly standing out from the pack.
Montford was just named chairman of the Agriculture Committee, a post he had the last two years. Thats not a bad plum for Montford who represents Tallahassee and the surrounding area in the Big Bend, including several rural, agricultural counties. Its also a spot that Senate Republicans have given before to Democrats they work well with, such as Gary Siplin.
Despite his background in education, Montford does have connections to the business community. Hes a favorite Democrat for the likes of the Florida Retail Federation, AIF and the Florida Chamber and he has longstanding ties to the Tallahassee Chamber.
But, for 45 years, Montford has been working on education in Tallahassee, starting as a teacher in 1969 and ending up as a principal. Montford turned his focus to elected office back in 1982 when he won the first of two terms on the Leon County Commission. Now the CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), Montfords fingerprints are all over schools in Tallahassee and generations of students generally have fond memories of him. Fittingly, theres a middle school named after him in Tallahassee.
Despite his many years in the field, Montford generally votes with the Republicans and backs assessment, charter schools and more accountability. But there are times he breaks with them, including over parental empowerment bills.
Thats not to say hes a conservative. Montford has no problem standing against the Republicans on issues ranging from prison privatization to moving state employee pensions in line with the private sector. There are plenty of reasons why the AFL-CIO and the FEA continue to back Montford.
But, for the most part, Republicans are able to work with Montford and hes been rewarded for his efforts. Hes not alone there since the likes of Jeremy Ring and Joe Abruzzo also play ball with the GOP more often than not.
Montford has the luxury of being in a good position for a Democrat in the Legislature. At 67, Montford is generally not considered a possibility for higher office unlike other moderate Democrats in the Senate, namely Ring or Katie Edwards over in the House. In his district dominated by state workers and university staffers, the business community and Republicans in general recognize Montford is their best option for a Democrat here.
Pretty secure in his district, Montford will continue to be something of a power in the Senate in the years to come. Look for him to continue to be one of the more influential Democrats in the Legislature, especially as he breaks with his party base on some areas.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.
