PrintFeb. 14--PANAMA CITY -- Sen. Don Gaetz is chairman of a committee crafting an influential state jobs bill, and a simmering movement is evolving as one of the key players in that legislation.
The Okaloosa County Commission had to make a crucial decision about offering tax incentives to an area hospital, and, as is generally the case, commissioners sought outside input. But it wasn't a group of Republicans or Democrats to whom the commission turned. Instead, it was an area Tea Party organization.
The Fort Walton Beach Tea Party has a legislative team, a growing 800-person membership, and the ear of area elected officials. "We have reached out to our elected officials, and they have reached out to us," said Henry Kelley, director of the group's legislative team.
While the Fort Walton Beach group has been tapped by elected officials for their input more than any other area Tea Party group interviewed by The News Herald, they are not alone. As the movement -- characterized by a distaste for big government, but made up of independent, varied groups -- gains momentum, policy makers are slowly, but surely, letting Tea Partiers into the conversation.
"I ask them what kind of ideas they want to have on a host of issues," said Rep. Brad Drake, R-DeFuniak Springs, who said he decided to co-sponsor a bill that dictates firearms made in the state are not subject to federal law or regulation after his talks with the Jackson County Tea Party group.
"Both of our representatives, especially Brad Drake, have been responsive," said Elaine Thompson, the Jackson County group's head. "But (Rep.) Marti Coley has been very good, as well."
Gaetz used ideas from Kelley and other Tea Party members in the first draft of his jobs bill, which is one of Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater's top priorities.
"They emphasized to me that they want the private sector, not the government, facilitating job creation," said Gaetz, a Niceville Republican with a conservative track record.
He said a concrete provisions in the bill that emerged from his conversations with Tea Party members were "back-loaded" tax incentives for businesses. "The front-end tax credits provide no accountability," Gaetz said.
Rising stock
Tea Partiers could be sliding into an increasingly influential position as their stock as a coveted voter bloc rises, and they know it. Thompson, for instance, says her group's e-mail list has grown to about 800.
And the enthusiasm appears to be building.
"We have a very energized baseofvoterswhoaregoingto vote," Kelley said. "People are excited every four years with a big run up to the presidential election, but then it dies. We have been able to sustain that energy."
Those running in 2010 races are on notice.
"I think they are definitely beginning to be recognized. I think that people who are in office are beginning to realize their importance," said Rep. Greg Evers, R-Milton, who is running for the state Senate seat that includes parts of seven counties, including Bay, Walton and Okaloosa.
While Bay County does not have an organization that terms itself a Tea Party group, the Bay Patriots, who "exist to awake the Revolutionary spirit necessary for freedom," have hosted a Tea Party event and found some success in getting issues important to them considered by the county commission.
"We wanted them to make sure that whatever decisions they make are part of the Constitution," Derrel Day, the group's founder, said of a proclamation passed by the county commission at the behest of his group.
"We did not get everything we wanted, but we were happy," he said. "We have not been in the loop for policy decisions or anything like that, but the commission has been responsive."
Day has stepped down as the group's president to run for the county commission as a Republican because he wants the Bay Patriots to remain nonpartisan.
Tax issue
One of the best examples of a Tea Party group's opinion influencing policy surrounded the Okaloosa County Commission's decision to offer five years of tax incentives to North Okaloosa Medical Center.
The group voiced their opinions in a detailed letter, which was entered into the documents reviewed by commissioners when making their decision, and ultimately their suggestions were implemented.
"We really are not trying to take credit, but they approved what we suggested," Kelley said.
Commissioner Bill Roberts acknowledged their influence.
"The dialogue and interaction at the abatement public hearing certainly helped the board get to what we thought was a fair and equitable decision," he wrote in an e-mail.
Commission Chairman Wayne Harris also said the Tea Party group, and another citizens group, helped them make their decision.
"They without a doubt played a role," he said. "Public input from the Okaloosa Citizens Alliance was also weighted as quite important."
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