‘Abolish’ Key West? Tallahassee’s message to ‘rogue’ cities is loud and clear | Editorial
We’re waiting for whoever crafted the mysterious document that’s been circulating in Tallahassee proposing to abolish the city of Key West to come out and say, “Just kidding, guys.”
Because this is a joke, right?
No one in their right mind would ever file legislation to abolish a city that’s known worldwide. Right? (nervous laugh).
Because our lawmakers would never back legislation to tell cities and counties what to do or how to exist. They would never think of such thing, with the exception of one, or two or a bunch — we’ve lost count — of laws the Legislature has proposed over the years to strip away local governments’ authority.
They would never use their power in a state capital almost 650 miles away to retaliate against local decisions — like they did this year when they reversed voter-approved referendums that limited cruise ships at the Port of Key West. That was just about reining in “rogue municipalities,” to use the words of one of the key lawmakers behind the repeal, Rep. Spencer Roach.
Roach swears he has nothing to do with the document that resembles a bill draft to do away with the Southernmost City, according to FLKeysNews.com/Miami Herald. The draft has no sponsor name or a bill number but a former Key West lawmaker believes the Lee County Republican is behind it. We’re sure Roach would rather focus on things that affect his constituents such as the environmental degradation of the Caloosahatchee River.
The alleged bill draft might never be filed, making this all a prank. Whoever wrote this must get a kick from showing local officials the damage lawmakers can do with just one piece of legislation.
Power trips are hilarious.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat's an editorial?
Editorials are opinion pieces that reflect the views of the Miami Herald Editorial Board, a group of opinion journalists that operates separately from the Miami Herald newsroom. Miami Herald Editorial Board members are: opinion editor Amy Driscoll and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What's the difference between an op-ed and a column?
How does the Miami Herald Editorial Board decide what to write about?
The Editorial Board, made up of experienced opinion journalists, primarily addresses local and state issues that affect South Florida residents. Each board member has an area of focus, such as education, COVID or local government policy. Board members meet daily and bring up an array of topics for discussion. Once a topic is fully discussed, board members will further report the issue, interviewing stakeholders and others involved and affected, so that the board can present the most informed opinion possible. We strive to provide our community with thought leadership that advocates for policies and priorities that strengthen our communities. Our editorials promote social justice, fairness in economic, educational and social opportunities and an end to systemic racism and inequality. The Editorial Board is separate from the reporters and editors of the Miami Herald newsroom.
How can I contribute to the Miami Herald Opinion section?
The Editorial Board accepts op-ed submissions of 650-700 words from community members who want to argue a specific viewpoint or idea that is relevant to our area. You can email an op-ed submission to oped@miamiherald.com. We also accept 150-word letters to the editor from readers who want to offer their points of view on current issues. For more information on how to submit a letter, go here.
This story was originally published November 18, 2021 at 2:25 PM.