A big reason state Rep. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, is in the running for the top job at Orlando’stoll-road agency is because of the political connections he has made during seven years inTallahassee.
But a recent opinion issued by the general counsel’s office of the Florida House maintains state law would prohibit Precourt for two years from personally lobbying any state representative, senator or executive state agencies if he is named executive director of the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority.
That might prove troublesome because the next agency director could be heavily involved in the legislative process as a result of a bill introduced in both chambers that promises to turn the authority into a regional operation.
Authority Chairman Walter Ketcham said his enthusiasm for Precourt has dropped because of the seven-page ruling.
“He would be a nonentity in Tallahassee at a time when it’s critical that we have a strong voice,” Ketcham said.
Click here for the story in the Orlando Sentinel.
