Democratic governors in several other states are “irked” by letters signed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott that have been arriving in mailboxes of top business leaders across the country.
In a report by NaplesNews.com, the purpose of the letters is to appeal to businesses in Democratic states like Kentucky and Maryland to come to the Sunshine State. Scott’s letter flaunts some of the state’s strong points—low unemployment rates, an education system on the rise and the lack of a state income tax.
The mailers are part of a “one-way’ campaign to attract business to Florida. Last month, Scott suggested to executives in Kentucky that they should get a one-way-ticket to Florida, where the economy is performing well.
“Although Florida’s economic formula is working,” Scott wrote, “we know Kentucky’s formula of more taxing and more spending isn’t working.” The last two words had more attention, using all capital letters.
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear doesn’t agree.
“Gov. Scott’s description of the business climate in Kentucky is so far from the existing reality that one wonders whether he’s had too much of that Florida sun (and the high property taxes that go with it),” Beshear told the Naples Daily News.
“This is an unserious PR stunt that will do nothing to create jobs,” said Lis Smith, spokesperson for Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.
Scott appears to be unbothered by the criticism.
“This is pure selling,” Scott said. “You just need to keep telling the story and, if you keep telling the story, one day people will show up.”
