House panel approved a proposed constitutional amendment Monday that could shift power in Florida’s executive branch. Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, wants to convert the office of secretary of state into an elected Cabinet position, eliminating the governor’s power to appoint Florida’s highest elections official. The move would undo a change approved by voters in 1998 that strengthened the office of the governor, which shares power in many areas with three statewide elected officials who make up the Florida Cabinet.
The House Oversight, Transparency & Administration Subcommittee voted unanimously to approve Harrell’s proposal (HJR 811) to place the issue on the November 2018 ballot. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee approved a Senate version (SJR 882) last week.
Sandra Mortham, a former elected secretary of state, told the House panel that the “consolidation of power” in the executive branch has led to conflicts of interest in the secretary of state’s office.
“It has become more difficult for the secretary because clearly, they have a chain of command to have to deal with issues,” Mortham said, testifying in favor of Harrell’s proposal.
Full Article: Elected secretary of state gets backing.