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Democrats reconsider, open meeting on future

Florida Mainstream Democrats planned a private discussion of the state party's future, but doing so could put some members in violation of a Senate rule.

By STEVE BOUSQUET
Published February 15, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - It was to have been a candid discussion of the Democrats' future in Florida - behind closed doors.

But concerns by six state senators prompted the Florida Mainstream Democrats to decide Monday to hold their inaugural meeting in public this Saturday.

Some of the senators said a private meeting would violate a Senate rule, though the group's chairman, Sen. Steven Geller of Hallandale Beach, questioned that. But the potential for bad publicity was enough to persuade him to open the meeting, he said.

The rule, which senators ratified in November, says: "All meetings at which legislative business is discussed between more than two members of the Legislature shall be open to the public." The only exceptions involve security and terrorism, and discussions on the Senate floor during legislative sessions.

It's possible legislative issues would be discussed, Geller said, but not specific legislation.

"I find it interesting that we can't discuss broad themes just because legislators happen to be present," Geller said. "I don't think anybody ever contemplated that groups of nonlegislators would be open to the public just because senators would be there."

Eleven members of the Legislature are expected to attend the convention at Orlando's Wyndham Hotel & Spa. They include a candidate for governor, Sen. Rod Smith of Gainesville, and members of Congress, former legislators and city and county officials.

Geller's decision was prompted by questions by the St. Petersburg Times , he said.

Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-West Palm Beach, who will soon succeed Geller as the group's chairman, applauded the decision.

"It's not a government meeting, it's a meeting of people who want to speak freely about the Democratic Party," he said. "But I think the correct decision was made, to open it up."

Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, said the meeting should be open. The rule is intended to ensure that legislative business is conducted in public. "I think I know what should be an open meeting when I see it," he said.

[Last modified February 15, 2005, 01:15:09]