Florida gubernatorial debate in Miami to focus on children

The first ever gubernatorial debate to focus solely on the future of Florida's children will be held next month at the University of Miami and organizers expect both Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott to participate.

Working as partners with UM, the Children's Movement of Florida said Wednesday they will host the Oct. 16 debate, which will be broadcast statewide on television and on the Internet.

In a conference call with reporters, David Lawrence Jr., co-chairman of The Children's Movement of Florida and former Miami Herald publisher, said he has spoken extensively with Sink and Scott about children's issues.

Sink told Lawrence that she intends to participate, while Republican Rick Scott is still in talks with organizers.

``You would think this is the first debate [Scott] would want to do,'' said Lawrence. ``I can't believe he wouldn't accept.''

Lawrence said the idea of a gubernatorial debate about children's issue is historic and long overdue in Florida.

``Florida consistently ranks at or near the bottom in measure after measure of how we invest in our children -- the time has come to change that,'' he said.

Said University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala: ``The welfare and education of children in this state should be one of the highest concerns of our gubernatorial candidates. The citizens of Florida deserve to hear how they plan to address critical issues affecting our most precious resource-children.''

She said the debate would give children a voice in who decides public policies that affect their future.

``Children don't contribute to campaigns, don't vote and are often ignored,'' she said. ``At the end of the day, it's going to be caring adults to take up the banner for children.''

The event is open to the public. Organizers expect an audience of 3,000 parents, children's advocates and other supporters of the Children's Movement of Florida.

The nonpartisan Children's Movement of Florida also said it will be launching a statewide, citizen-led series of 15 ``Milk Parties'' on behalf of Florida's children. The rallies begin in Pensacola on Sept. 6 and end in Key West on Sept. 30.

Those attending the rallies will be asked to submit questions for the debate, share information about the debate with relatives, friends and co-workers, and organize debate-viewing parties.

The focus of the debate will be on five issues:

• Access to health insurance and quality healthcare.
• Screening and treatment for special needs.
• Quality pre-kindergarten opportunities.
• High-quality mentoring programs.
• Support and information for parents.

The panel for the debate will consist of Lawrence, former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings and Bob Butterworth, former Florida attorney general and former secretary of the state's Department of Children & Families.

No public funds are being used by the Children's Movement of Florida, which has raised nearly $1 million in donations from foundations and private contributors.

The Children's Movement of Florida does not endorse candidates.

Read the full article here.