Joyner hammers Scott's 'arrogance' over FDLE ouster

Arthenia Joyner, the Senates top Democrat, kicked off the annual Associated Press legislative planning session with a bang Wednesday, hammering Gov. Rick Scott for a miserable lesson in bad government.

Joyner, of Tampa, was teeing-off on Scott for forcing out longtime Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and calling for leadership changes at three other agencies overseen by his office and the three-person Cabinet.

Scott elbowed-out Bailey and has actively sought leadership at another Cabinet-level agency without informing Cabinet members.

Only arrogance can explain being less than honest with the public about official actions, Joyner said.

Her comments came to a room full of reporters and editors gathered in Tallahassee for an annual pre-legislative session meeting hosted by the Associated Press.

The state constitution requires the entire Cabinet to vote on the removal of certain officials, including the FDLE chief. Baileys resignation was forced without consulting Cabinet members.

The perception is that the constitution has been violated and the people want to know, she said. In an era of transparency, we have to make sure it is transparent.

In addition, Scott had already been quietly seeking replacement for Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, a post also overseen by the Cabinet. He reached out to Ron Henderson, a Louisiana insurance official, earlier this month about the potential of an opening in Florida.

Joyner also noted the well-worn path from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindals administration to Scotts office. Several top officials, including chief-of-staff Melissa Sellers, have done stints in Louisiana.

Scott seems to be getting Bobby Jindals hand me downs, Joyner said of Henderson.

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Joyner hammers Scott's 'arrogance' over FDLE ouster