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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Robert M. Jarvis: Gambling Amendment a Sensible Solution
Florida Constitutional Law and Gambling Law professor, Robert M. Jarvis.
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford has begun promoting the idea of placing a constitutional amendment concerning gambling on the November 2014 ballot. He wants voters to decide if the state should expand its gambling offerings. Florida Senate President Don Gaetz tentatively has joined him, telling reporters, “I think you can make an argument that that’s a systemic change that the people of Florida ought to have a say about.”
In its Dec. 7 editorial, “Gambling amendment a bad bet,” the Sun Sentinel flatly rejected the idea, calling it a “copout” and writing, “The electorate looks to its leaders to solve problems, not avoid them. Floridians were promised leadership on gambling expansion. Weatherford’s idea is anything but.”
In fact, Florida has a long history of turning to the electorate for help on tough issues. Currently, the Florida Constitution has three “local option” provisions. These let local residents decide how they want to proceed on matters that have stymied legislators. Gambling should be added to the list.
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