News

BusinessForce’s Legislative Committee, led by its Chair Beth Thibodaux, conducted interviews last week with 10 incumbent members of the Regional Legislative Delegation who have been endorsed by BusinessForce in their previous campaigns.

According to BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum, the legislators were asked to discuss their legislative accomplishments and outline their priorities for the coming session and for their next term if re-elected.  In addition, the legislators were closely questioned on a number of top regional and state issues impacting the business community identified by the Central Florida Partnership.  There was a broad consensus from the legislators that dealing with the state’s fiscal woes and the required tough budget decisions ahead will be the major focus of the 2010 legislative session.

On Feb. 5th BusinessForce’s County Commission Committee, led by its Chair Chris Carmody, will convene to interview candidates in the races it has designated as “top priority.”  These will include hotly-contested races for Orange County Mayor, Orange County Commission District 4 and Osceola County Commission District 2.  Other priority county races in the region will be targeted for interviews following the candidate qualifying period in June.

Endorsement recommendations from both Business Force committees will be transmitted to the BusinessForce Board of Directors for consideration and action at their Feb. 25th meeting.