We hear the PBA—Police Benevolent Association— is pressuring State Rep. Greg Evers on the consolidation issue. IN reporter Sean Boone interviewed Evers this morning:
News: More representation needed for Evers support
by Sean Boone
State Rep. Greg Evers (R-Baker) tells IN his decision to not support a pro-consolidation recommendation at last night’s delegation forum at Pensacola Junior College is due to a lack of representation on all sides of the issue.
“I felt like that we needed more of the delegation there than just three members,” he says.
“If we were voting it up or down there would have been residents in Escambia County not represented.”
Evers, Rep. Dave Merzin (R-Pensacola), and Sen. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview) were in attendance. Representatives Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and Clay Ford (R-Gulf Breeze) did not attend.
The yearly forum is designed to hear local proposals for bills that could be proposed at next year’s delegation session. The Escambia County All For One group is proposing a bill for consolidated government that would incorporate the county and the cities of Century and Pensacola.
Evers says he isn’t opposed to the idea of consolidated government in Escambia County–particularly if it could save tax dollars–but does not want to jump the gun and propose a bill that will not pass in Tallahassee.
“I told them last night they needed face time with each member of the delegation,” says Evers. “It’s a very complex issue to hand to someone a week before a meeting and say ‘this is what we want.’ Sure, we represent those who want that government, but all residents should be there to voice opinion.”