Good Night to all,For those that did not make it to the FAR Convention this Morning you missed a great speach from our Govenor Mr. Charlie Crist, He was very enthusiastic and in very good spirits, Here is a copy of an article that was sent to me that covers everything he said:
Governor Crist to Realtors: ‘Get ready, Florida is on the move' 
Top: Gov. Crist addresses members of the Florida Association of Realtors Thursday morning in Lake Buena Vista. Bottom: The governor arrives escorted by 2007 FAR President Nancy Riley.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Aug. 23, 2007 - Gov. Charlie Crist spoke to more than 800 Florida Realtors this morning at the 2007 Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) Convention & Trade Expo, thanking them for their leadership in supporting property tax reform efforts and urging them to spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, clients and throughout their communities to vote "Yes" on Jan. 29 for the proposed constitutional amendment.
The governor addressed the critical issues of property tax reform and property insurance relief to the receptive Realtor audience. "I believe these two issues are the key to rejuvenating our economy," Crist said. "The insurance industry has always had its way in Tallahassee, but not anymore. Enough is enough, and we're not going to take it anymore. I believe our fundamental duty is to make sure that you have more of your hard-earned money in your pocket, to spend as you see fit. That ship has turned."
He added, "You know what really rattles my cage about the insurance industry? I know we had a few storms in 2004 and 2005. Believe me, I know. We had very few storms last year - like none. Know what the insurance industry made last year...not their revenue, but their profit was $63 billion and $3 billion of that was born on the backs of Florida. How much do you need to eat? How many cars do you need? I'm a pro-business guy, but I'm pro-good business. I believe in profits, but not in profiteering, and not on the backs of the people."
Insurers have threatened to leave Florida and quit doing business unless their rate increases are approved. To them, Crist said, "Good-bye and good riddance." However, he added that some insurers are doing good business, and noted that since January 2006, 30 insurance companies have applied to enter the state to offer insurance.
For the second part of the "double-whammy" impacting the state, the governor said that he realizes he is preaching to the choir when it comes to supporting the proposed constitutional amendment to reform Save Our Homes.
"Florida is going to have a sonic boom when that (passage of the amendment) happens," Crist said. "I hope you're getting some rest now, because your phones are going to be ringing off the hook and you're going to be busier than ever. Go out and tell your friends, your neighbors and your customers - please encourage them to vote ‘yes' on Jan. 29, 2008."
Many local government officials claim that the proposed cap in property tax revenues required under the amendment would force them to fire police, firefighters and other vital public safety workers. The governor said that message is a scare tactic and won't happen.
"So the future is bright," said Gov. Crist. "It is. I've been to places where the future is not as bright as it is here. Florida is a special place. One thousand people every single day are making that choice [to come here]. They're flooding the state. Get ready - make sure your license is up-to-date. Because Florida is on the move. She's on the rise, and it's all because of the people."
I hope you all enjoy it and good night.
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