Proctor calls for declaration of democracy in Leon County

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

As the Florida Legislature is passing and proposing a series of bills that opponents call a threat to democracy, Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor has called for a declaration to solidify the principles on which the country was founded.

Proctor’s proposal, which he sent to his peers, asked the board of commissioners to take the action as a way of “affirming the County’s commitment to Democracy.” He requested that the declaration be considered as early as the board’s next meeting on May 9.

In a statement accompanying a copy of his proposed proclamation, Proctor said he “recognizes the value and need for Leon County as Florida’s capital county to remain a beacon light of hope, freedom, transparency, and love that is supportive of Democracy.”

The League of Women’s Voters, which has been campaigning against what it conceived as attacks on democracy, said through its state president that Proctor’s call is valid. Asked if every other county should consider their own proclamation in support of democracy, Cecile Scoon said they should.

“That would be something very powerful, moving and meaningful if each one in their own way, and confirm the right of those eligible lawful people to vote, the right to be heard, the right to petition their government (and) the right to be listened to,” Scoon said.

Most of the measures being passed in the legislature, where Republicans have a super majority, include major changes in education and voting. Abortion has become the latest lightening rod, not just locally but across the country.

Add to that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempted takeover of Disney’s Reedy Creek. Additionally, a bill was passed last year to increase penalties on protesters. Critics see it as the governor’s response to Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd.

“Today we have reached a pivotal moment in time where every tub must sit on its own bottom and decide where we stand in upholding American ideals and Democratic principles,” Proctor wrote. “Next year marks Leon County’s 200th anniversary. This milestone, in light of all dissident activities occurring across our nation that undermines democracy, compels that Leon County Government makes clear our position that we are open to and supportive of democracy and democratic principles and values. We are a community that must remain aligned with the richest content of Democracy.”

Early in the legislative session, legislators proposed a bill that would ban government funding for state colleges and universities that “promote, support, or maintain any programs that covers diversity, equity, or inclusion.

Scoon likened the moves by legislators to that of a power grab.

It’s as if legislators are saying, “guys, I don’t really hear you and I don’t really care,” she said. “When you do that, you are controlling. You’re maintaining power over people that have expressly stated that their desires are otherwise.”

The power grab concept is also one that Keith Simmonds, Ph.D, a FAMU political science professor, see at play.

“It is possible that in a democracy we have elected officials who are prepared to put power – the quest for and the retention of – over policy that would make their people better,” he said. “I think that is one of those things that can be used as a pointer where a country is going.”

In part, he said, the current actions by politicians are outgrowth of political realignments that occurred with passage of the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act in the 1960’s. “A significant shift in the economic conditions of citizens” is also a contributing factor today, Simmonds said.

Simmonds lauded the call by Proctor but questioned how impactful declaration of democracy by a municipal government could be.

“I do think that our democracy is at risk,” he said. “No doubt about it.”