On Wednesday, the Florida Chamber of Commerce announced that former House Speaker Larry Cretul will be the staff director of the Chambers board of governors program.
Its my honor and privilege to join the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and to be part of an organization that proactively connects job-creators with a business agenda designed to move Florida forward, said Cretul.
First elected to the House in 2002, Cretul, a real estate broker from Ocala who served two terms on the Marion County Commission before heading to Tallahassee, represented parts of Alachua, Levy and Marion counties for four terms. Originally selected to serve as speaker pro tempore during his final term, Cretul became speaker after Ray Sansom resigned in disgrace.
Facing term limits in 2010, Cretul opted not to run against vulnerable Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and joked that the only thing he was running for was the front porch. Grayson would lose his congressional seat to Republican candidate Daniel Webster.
In his new position, Cretul said he would continue to fight for free-market solutions to Floridas continuing economic problems. While Cretul can offer his insights on policy and the Legislature, he is forbidden, by state law, to lobby the Legislature for a two-year period.
Despite backing Attorney General Bill McCollum in the Republican gubernatorial primary instead of eventual winner Rick Scott, Cretul said he was hopeful the Chamber and the incoming governor can help turn the states economy around.
I look forward to taking the Florida Chambers plan for a stronger economy and high-wage jobs, putting them to work with Governor-elect Rick Scotts job-creation plan, and making Florida the No. 1 job-creator, said Cretul.
Former House Speaker Allan Bense, currently serving as chairman of the Chambers board of directors, praised Cretul, noting that his background in real estate and building will help in his new position.
Larry Cretul is the epitome of small-business owners throughout Florida, said Bense, who led the Florida House from 2004 until 2006.He has personally experienced the harmful effects of job-killing regulations and high taxes, and understands that to move Florida forward it takes unwavering leadership and a long-term plan that will deliver prosperity, vibrant communities and global competitiveness.
Added Mark Wilson, who is the president and CEO of the Florida Chamber, As we work to move Florida toward a new and sustainable economy, we are pleased Larry will be a part of our strategy and the Chambers overall plan to put Floridians back to work.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
