Former Naples City Councilman Gary Price announced Monday that he is running for the Florida Senate in 2016 and he gave warning to two Florida House representatives that he will make their role in the Florida House adjourning early last week a major issue in the Republican primary.
Price filed on Monday for the seat currently held by Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, who faces term limits next year. Two Naples Republicans in the Florida House -- Speaker Pro Tempore Matt Hudson and Rep. Kathleen Passidomo -- are also running for the seat.
Ive found great joy in being a public servant in Southwest Florida, but never considered myself a professional politician, Price said on Monday. Ive always put being a husband and a father first, a trusted businessman second, and then dedicated the rest of of my life to public service. My goal has always been to place the people I serve above politics. A big part of that is always having a servants heart but using my head when it comes to policy debates, tough decisions and compromise, while remaining passionate, pragmatic and principled when it comes to the people I serve.
Price turned his fire toward the Florida House for adjourning early as it stood with Gov. Rick Scott in opposing Medicaid expansion. The Florida Senate supports Medicaid expansion, leading to a legislative stalemate in Tallahassee.
"Sadly, members of the Florida House did a disservice to their constituents last week by walking away from their constitutionally-required duties and leaving unresolved legislative issues on the table. Many of these were policy decisions that affect the lives and pocketbooks of Florida citizens and our environment, Price said, hitting the Florida House for adjourning early last week. Floridians dont get to walk away from their work, from their bills or from their obligations when they are frustrated, and we cant allow our elected officials to shirk their obligations either. The people of Collier and Lee counties deserve better.
While Price had harsh words for the Florida House, he praised the Senate for staying in Tallahassee.
"The Florida Senate, on the other hand, completed its work, held vigorous debates and tackled the tough issues facing our great state, Price said on Monday. That is what leadership is all about, not walking away. Thats the kind of principled body of real leaders that Id like to serve in. As a true conservative, with a track record of success through priority-setting, negotiation, compassion and integrity, I believe the Florida state Senate is the best place for me to focus my energies on issues most critical to District 23, including fiscal discipline, local control of education, and child services and elder care reform.
Price also slammed the Houses handling of other issues in the recently adjourned session.
I am deeply concerned with the way Florida children, the elderly and the disabled are treated by our various state agencies, and I am particularly frustrated with how the state House of Representatives could have just walked away last week from a significant piece of legislation that would help the disabled, Price said. "As I have repeatedly shown at the local level, I always bring a thoughtful, fair and fresh perspective to important issues affecting our community and its citizens. I have never walked away from a public policy challenge, and I pledge to the citizens of District 23 that I never will. For these reasons, I am announcing today that I am running for the Florida state Senate."
Price's team insisted reports--including from Sunshine State News--were wrong that he was praising the Senate and opposing the House due to Medicaid expansion. In a radio appearance on WGUF on Tuesday, Pricecalled for fresh faces in Tallahassee.
I dont think you shirk responsibilities and cut and run from conversation, Price said on Tuesday on WGUF. You stay in it and work it out the best way you can.
Price insisted he was against Medicaid expansion but he still ended up cheering the Senate on the issue.
Im in favor of the governors challenge, the lawsuit, Price said. Im not in favor of Medicaid expansion. Im in favor of where I think the Senate was trying to head with some solutions but they didnt get to have that conversation since their partners in the House were gone.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
