Bill Galvono, Senate President, 2019-20 https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s21
As we know from watching Treasure Coast politician, Joe Negron, being President of the Senate of is a very powerful position, and allows one to direct Florida political policy. West coast Manatee/Hillsborough county’s Bill Galvano follows Joe Negron, and for the next two years will be Florida’s Senate President.
As we navigate our toxic and waters, it is important we get to know Bill Galvano. ~Read his bio. Learn where he is from. Be familiar with his background and former committees. And most important of all, try to determine what motivates him and pay attention to the dreams of his presidency.
The best way to get this information first hand is to listen to the new president’s induction speech. Thankfully this is recorded by the Florida Channel for those who did not attend. Here is a link; go to about 40:00 to hear President Galvano’s speech.
Florida Channel:https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/102417-republican-senate-president-designation-ceremony-senator-bill-galvano/
The primary goals I picked while listening were civility, innovation and openness; and although, he did not speak directly to water issues, as President Joe Negron did, Galvano does mention Florida working to respect its natural resources. ~I do know that in earlier years Galvano worked to give residents of Florida more expedient information when water resources had been compromised as with the Mosaic phosphate sink hole that took weeks before the Department of Environmental Protection revealed it: (NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/29/495936718/giant-sinkhole-at-florida-plant-leaks-polluted-water-into-state-aquifer) (G-Ville Sun: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20160930/galvano-to-take-lead-on-pollution-notice-issue)
The Miami Herald used this quote to sum up Bill Galvano:
“As Senate president, I have very little ability to change the national discourse, or to stem the tide of modern-day incivility that is so pervasive in an era of social media and 24-hour news cycle,” he said, “But I can tell you as Senate president, and while I’m Senate president, that the Florida Senate will have civility, transparency, candor, and provide opportunity.”
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article221944615.html#storylink=cpy”
Well as water advocates, it’s our opportunity and responsibility to influence President Galvano by visiting, calling, writing his office, getting to know his staff, and relaying the concerns we have about our natural environment that is quickly going to hell in a hand basket!
Also, I must note, that I just happen to know that new Treasure Coast Senator Gayle Harrell has a good relationship with President Galvano because I saw that she was walking him around at her election night party. (Harrell: http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s25?pref=full)
Use everything you can to communicate now before legislative session begins and it’s too late!
Links:
Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Galvano
President Galvano’s district includes Warm Mineral Springs, one of the most important Springs archeological sites in the state requiring careful rules of management, something the state needs more of: http://www.floridasprings.org/visit/map/warm%20mineral%20springs/
Florida Archeology: http://www.warmmineral.com/wms/AAUS_1990_7.pdf
Bradenton News: https://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article221946360.html
St Lucie River May 2016