Mr. Speaker, "Thank you for your support of transparency and accountability"
Posted August 29, 2017 03:10 pm | Op-Ed
By
Barbara Peterson
Dear Mr. Speaker:
We read with great interest your comments in the Orlando Sentinel regarding the need for transparency and accountability for tourism development organizations spending tax dollars to promote the interests of local communities. See: Corcoran vows crackdown on Visit Orlando
We agree with your statements, Mr. Speaker, and offer our support for your efforts on behalf of all Floridians in ensuring that these organizations operate in the sunshine and remain accountable.
The First Amendment Foundation believes that all expenditures of tax dollars should be public, and that all decisions concerning how and why that money is spent should also be open to public scrutiny. We expect that your call for accountability here -- which we support -- will also be reflected during the 2018 Legislature's appropriations process.
If we can be of any assistance in this regard, please don't hesitate to contact us. And again, thank you for your strong stand and continuing support of transparency and accountability.
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Barbara Peterson is President of the First Amendment Foundation.
Graphic added by the Observer: Jacksonville.com