Faced with a credibility problem in the eyes ofsome of the states top lawmakers, one of Florida's oldest and most influential business advocacy organizations reached for a big gun -- a top-tier veteran who ran the House when many of those same lawmakers were still learning to navigate the maze of the Capitol hallways.
So far, with the current session reaching its midpoint, there has been little noticeable change in the day-to-day lobbying by Associated Industries of Florida in the Senate and House corridors, with former state House Speaker Tom Feeney instead of Barney Bishop at the helm of the 92-year-old Voice of Florida Business.
But it's not likely to stay that way in sessions to come.
With AIFs priorities in place for the current session before he was hired, Feeney said he wasnt given any mandates from the board. But change, in terms of direction and style, is expected over the summer in preparation for the 2013 session from Capitol insiders -- and even for Feeney himself, who also served in the U.S. House and was Jeb Bushs running mate during his unsuccessful gubernatorial bid in 1994.
Our organization isnt about one person or one president or CEO, its about advocating to make Florida a better place to do business, a more prosperous place, and therefore a better place to live and raise a family, Feeney said.
Its a great opportunity, Im sure that well have an imprint long-term if I get an opportunity to stay long enough in some of the big-visioning issues for the future of Florida.
But its not necessarily appropriate to make those changes in the first two, three months on the job.
'RESERVOIR OF TRUST'
Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said AIF, during and after the 2011 session, had reached a low ebb of credibility in the Senate with the prior leaderships approach clumsy and brash.
Gaetz said Feeney, who was House speaker in 2000, was the change of leadership needed for the organization to become politically relevant again.
I believe there is a reservoir of trust and familiarity that Speaker Feeney can draw on from his years as a state legislator and as a speaker of the House, Gaetz said.
I believe Speaker Feeney brings a finesse and an understanding of the legislative process that has made AIFs lobbying more effectual, and I expect, next year, AIF under Tom Feeney will again be a major force in state policy just as it was years ago.
Capitol insiders add that change was needed at AIF, which competes for business interests with the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber and AIF are often in agreement on policy issues, from legal and education reform to trade questions. However, this year, the two organizations clashed in a high-profile dispute over the highly controversial destination gaming effort that sought to allow three huge casinos in South Florida.
Also, for nearly a decade, the business groups have conflicted over political candidates -- the Chamber doesnt back trial lawyers or candidates with differing views on tort reform and union issues.
The Chamber also is viewed as approaching issues through a consensus of its wide range of members.
Meanwhile, AIF has been focused on issues driven by a lobbyist-packed board. Also, Bishop, a former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party, was facing internal criticism, such as when he suggested last year that board members of state-backed Citizens Property Insurance should be replaced if they were not dedicated to getting actuarially sound rates for the company.
Mark Wilson, Chamber president and CEO, said he doesnt view AIF as a competitor. He believes his policy background and Feeneys political background could make a good team.
I really think there is an opportunity for perhaps there to be a new day, with new leadership and new attitude, about what pro-business legislators mean, Wilson said.
Rick McAllister, president of the Florida Retail Associations, a frequent ally on business issues with AIF, said he hasnt seen the criticisms leveled at AIFs lobbying efforts.
Theyre a very effective group, theyre continuing to work well with other organizations, McAllister said.
Still, McAllister said Feeney brings an advanced level of understanding of the legislative process.
The legislative process is a pretty sticky wicket and so understanding how, in difficult situations, to maneuver the process, what levers to pull, which ropes to tug, are really important and so he knows all those things, McAllister said. Hes been there. Hes managed all those things.
'MAKING FLORIDA A WELL-RESPECTED STATE'
Feeney, who spent six years in the U.S. House after his term as Florida House speaker, was hired as president in December and started a little more than a week before the 2012 session began.
He said his hiring was in part because he has long fought for the states business community.
When I was in the legislative leadership -- speaker of the House under Governor Bush -- we were able to secure business tax cuts, lead the nation in job growth, we were becoming more prosperous every year, Feeney said.
I think helping policymakers in the Legislature and the governors office put in place an environment so Florida can again become the envy of the nation in job creation and economic development ... is a goal of mine and, I think, a lot of members of AIF. I think I can help position to make AIF play a big role in making Florida a well-respected, envied state once again.
When he was hired, the train was already moving, as the not-for-profit associations board had already set its priorities for the current session, including support for the destination gaming bill that sought to establish a statewide gaming commission and allow the construction of mega-casinos in South Florida.
While the gaming bill has died in the House, the associations other priorities -- backing efforts to revamp personal injury protection insurance and workers compensation costs by reducing the price physicians can charge for prescription drugs dispensed from their offices, as well as opposing legislation that seeks to permanently provide online travel companies with an unfair tax advantage -- remain alive.
As for the changes he may bring, its too early to say, he said.
He wouldnt say if he will revisit a form of the Principle Card, which he issued as speaker to fellow Republicans that served as conservative checklists on legislation.
I think I can help play a role in letting our advocacy team do the day-to-day work in the Capitol; maybe I can help put big-picture fingers on the board for members of AIF to help policymakers think long-term goals and strategies for Florida," Feeney said.
Meanwhile, he says, other statewide business groups such as the Chamber (he is a member), retail association and Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association that have been AIF partners on issues in the past will continue to find common ground about 90 percent of the time. But they will remain their own entity.
Florida is too big and too diverse a state to have just one or two business advocacy groups. I think AIF can play a role that is unique, he said.
He has also met with Chamber leaders.
Im anxious not to duplicate each others work, Feeney said. AIF will maintain its own unique culture and style and tactical process.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
