Former North Florida Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham is among the Democrats running for governor this year. She says for too long the state Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott have ignored the serious effects of climate change and rising seas.
Appearing Wednesday on WJCT’s First Coast Connect, Graham said the state needs to take take action against the problems the state is already facing and prepare for the future.
“We need to be doing common sense things like making sure we are dealing with crumbling infrastructure. It’s already here, coastal infrastructure is being destroyed by the rising sea levels,” she said. “This is something as governor of the state, is your responsibility to take care of.”
On the topic of public K-12 education, Graham said she would put an end to high-stakes testing system of the Florida Standards Assessment and end-of-year state tests. Graham said testing is important, but more control should be placed back in the hands of the teachers.
Graham also said she would push for more growth management policies in Florida. She said she supports growth, but it needs to be done in a smart way and take into account of environmental impact of development.
Graham is facing Chris King of Winter Park, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine in the Democratic primary. Republicans Northeast Florida Congressman Ron DeSantis and Florida Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam have also announced their candidacy.
The Florida gubernatorial primary election is Aug. 28.
