Crist regrets go-it-alone approach to streamline $42 million to private business, including Port St. Lucie animation company
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 by Michael C. Bender
Gov. Charlie Crist helps cut the ribbon at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando this month at Walt Disney World. (AP)
Republican Gov. Charlie Crist released a memo Tuesday showing he approached Republican leaders in the legislature, including Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, before approving $20 million in cash incentives for a Port St. Lucie animation company.
Crist did not have to brief the leaders, but the governor said he was uncomfortable with the legislature’s decision in the frantic final days of the lawmaking session this year to remove the few restrictions on the state fund that provides economic incentives to private businesses.
“I regretted that,” Crist said of removing oversight. “It’s important to have both branches involved.”
Read his memo to Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul here.
The press release from Wyndcrest/Digital Domain, the company that received $20 million in incentives, here. And the memo from Port St. Lucie attorney Roger Orr regarding the company’s potential land is here.
And even more background on the issue here.
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