ight years ago, Floridians elected Lawton Chiles and Buddy MacKay to lead
the state forward. Throughout their two terms as Governor and Lt. Governor,
they've worked on the issues that matter most to the people of the state
— ensuring our children are healthy and safe, establishing high standards
for education, building strong economic foundations, and making government
work for the people.
When
the Chiles/MacKay team took office, the state was facing a historic budget
crisis in the midst of the worst recession in 50 years. In his first 18
months in office, Governor Chiles had to cut nearly $2 billion from the
state budget. Health care costs were soaring out of control, prisoners
were being released early because the state couldn't afford additional
staff to open new prisons, and the state's budget reserves were nearly
depleted.
Despite these challenges, Chiles/MacKay began their first term on a tidal wave of hope and a promise to restore the people's faith in government. They pledged to make Florida a community, not a crowd. In his inaugural address, Walkin' Lawton asked Floridians to join hands and make a covenant to make Florida a better place to live, work, and raise children. Chiles/MacKay reached out to communities — looking for ways to empower local citizens to take charge of decision making.
This publication is an attempt to capture eight years of struggle and triumph to achieve their vision and to chronicle the remarkable success that people have had by working together to solve problems.
It is dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Floridians who have been a part of the Chiles/MacKay team — the health care and child care workers, the business leaders who worked to improve education and government, and to the teachers, police officers, firefighters and everyday citizens who have helped to build our communities.
It has been a wonderful journey.
