What we think: Florida's frequent fliers

W hat is it with Florida's top politicians and planes? They've spent a lot of time in the sky, whether in the state's taxpayer-provided aircraft or in the jets of wealthy friends.

[Procurator]

Try flying out of Tallahassee to anywhere in Florida. From Orlando to Tallahassee the best way to go is by car. The Governor has a need for a plane but I don't see the need for anyone else. The person that gets elected to be in the Executive Branch needs to move to Tallahassee as their "home" for 4 years. There are a lot of good rentals in Leon county.

[SentinelBlather]

Did I miss the Sentinel editorial criticizing Obama taking Air Force One to NY City on a date with his wife that cost $400,000? The Sentinel will still endorse Sink for Governor and ignore her personal expenses paid for by citizens.

[Anon]

The Slantenil needs to look at the distances from North to South in Florida. Then look at how the main roads run. If the capital was in the center of the state, driving would be practical, but it's not and won't be moved. Airplanes are the most practical means of travel. ALL politicians, state and federal can be accused of abusing air travel. With the Slantenil it seems more to be the "pot calling the kettle".

[Patriot]

I agree. Politicians can drive or fly coach like the rest of us. None of them "needs" a private flight.

[Professor Pigskin]

People who have lived in only one part of the state and rarely travel across the state tend to forget how big the state of FL really is. Unless you live off I-10, getting to Tally is chore. Getting out of the Miami Metro area is no picnic either. I could not imagine having to drive from Miami to Tally.

There needs to be accountability plus checks and balances on politicians and their travel budgets / spending, but the same goes for the private sector. We need to make sure those travel and expense reports are really for legit business trips and not some boondoogle to see a mistress.

US Senators and state governors, I have no problem with them flying on private jets given the importance of their jobs. They should not have to miss an important meeting b.c they are stuck in I-4 / I-95 traffic or have a long layover in Atlanta.

County / city officials and state senators, fly coach or drive.

[JOHN DOE]

You don't get it do you. The governor and the legislators have the money and the power and they know it and they will do what they want. They could care less about the taxpayers of this state. The taxpayers continue to vote them into office regardless of what they do so why do ethics or conflicts of interest matter?

[Observer]

Can't trust politicians not to take advantage of perks. The state should keep one plane for official use and not to allow officials' family to ride on the plane unless family members pay in advance for travel use with the official.

[Moon_Cricket]

smells likebullshit to me

[Aaron]

So when is the Sentinel going to put Sink's air travel habits on it's front page?