News

It was a Wonderful Show of Support

Just minutes ago, the Florida Senate Committee on Transportation, Chaired by Senator Andy Gardiner, voted in "overwhelming support" of SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail). This was a very important "next step" for SunRail; as the momentum continues to build in support of our collective efforts.

Amendments Were Consistently Rejected

So you will know, during today's meeting, Senator Paula Dockery offered a series of Amendments that were consistently "rejected" by the Committee on Transportation.  During the meeting, Senator Lee Constantine, a member of the Committee on Transportation and the Senate Sponsor for SunRail, led a thoughtful conversation regarding the benefits and importance of this project; and welcomed a "host" of community, government and civic leaders from the Central Florida Region.  

It was a Great Group of Community Builders

In attendance, along with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission; Senator Constantine also welcomed other members of the Commuter Rail Commission, including Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, Volusia County Council Chairman Frank T. Bruno, Jr., and Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington.  Senator Constantine also welcomed the Chairman of METROPLAN ORLANDO, Osceola County Commissioner John Q. Quiñones, and Executive Director Harold W. Barley.

Plus, "in the room," ready to "stand and speak" in support of SunRail was Raymond Gilley, President, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, The Honorable Gary Bruhn, Mayor of the Town of Windermere and Vice Chair of the Central Florida Congress of Regional Leaders, Mark P. Wylie, President, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., plus others; including representatives from the University of Central Florida, the Core Strategy Team (CST) for Commuter Rail, the Board of Directors of the Central Florida Partnership, "Advocates and Supporters" of SunRail and members of the Council of "Great Thinkers."    

Our “Next Step” is Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The "next step" for SunRail, is Wednesday, March 11, 2009, when this matter will be advanced to the Florida Senate Committee on Judiciary. As we have discussed, each one of us needs to communicate with our colleagues as to the importance of this meeting and the urgency of having supporters "in the room" ready to "stand and speak" in support of SunRail. To properly coordinate this effort, I've invited Christine Kefauver, an important member of the Core Strategy Team (CST) for Commuter Rail, to be "on point” when it comes to coordinating our presenters, establishing the sequence of their presentations, and helping to craft their individual messages. To make sure we’re working together, please let Christine Kefauver know if you are available on this date and on this time; or if you are able to secure other supporters to "stand and speak" in your place.   You can easily reach Ms. Kefauver either by phone at 407.246.3261 or by email at Christine.Kefauver@CityofOrlando.net.

Travel to Tallahassee?

As we discussed; it’s not just about "filling the room," it’s about putting the "right people" in the room; properly advancing SunRail.  Each of us has an important role to play; encouraging our colleagues as well as "Advocates and Supporters" to be in attendance on March 11, 2009; toward this end, Ms. Kefauver may reach out to you to have the benefit of your thinking as to our number of our presenters, the sequence of their particular presentations and their specific messages.

Florida Senate Committee on Judiciary - Chair Senator Lee Constantine (R)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Room 110, Senate Office Building
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL

Right now, it's important that you calendar this date and time; making the necessary arrangements to secure travel to and from Tallahassee so that we can show our collective support of Senator Lee Constantine along with our support of SunRail.

Here Are the Committee Members

For your added information and review, I've provided below the membership of the Florida Senate Committee on Judiciary along with the "link" to each Senator so that you can "click" on their home page to learn more about each member of the Committee.  

· Chair: Senator Lee Constantine (R) 
· Vice Chair: Senator Arthenia L. Joyner (D) 
· Senator Carey Baker (R) 
· Senator Mike Fasano (R)
· Senator Dan Gelber (D) 
· Senator Mike Haridopolos (R) 
· Senator Durell Peaden, Jr. (R)
· Senator Garrett Richter (R)
· Senator Jeremy Ring (D) 

To Keep You Properly Informed

To keep you properly informed; the Central Florida Partnership will be providing this Weekly Electronic Newsletter on SunRail. We invite you to "bookmark" the web site for Right Track Florida at www.RightTrackFlorida.org and "check back" frequently for "daily postings" and "breaking news" between now and the end of the Legislative Session.