Congratulations to State Sen. Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland), who has proven herself to be a champion and tireless worker for the people of Florida and “more powerful than a locomotive.” For two years she worked to uncover details of the almost unknown plan for SunRail with CSX railroad.

This plan would provide commuter rail service from DeLand through Orlando to Poinciana and serve an estimated 3,500 riders. However, it would also include building a new freight yard in a Polk County residential area, increase freight train travel through downtown Lakeland, and make the taxpayers of Florida liable for the expense of damages and deaths happening on the line, even if caused by CSX. The cost of the total project was estimated to be at least $1.2 billion.

As Paula began to research and bring negative details of the plan to light, powerful forces in the state started to work against her – everyone from Gov. Crist to lobbyists. In the beginning, Polk and Lakeland officials and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce supported and applauded her efforts. Then, when it appeared that Paula would not win the battle against the proposal, they turned their backs on her. Only City Commissioners Howard Wiggs and Justin Troller and County Commissioner Jean Reed continued to support her efforts. Our thanks to them for their steadfast support and shame on the other commissioners for backing away. Also, shame on the Lakeland Chamber, especially for the tactics they used to put pressure on Paula to try to stop the very work they had earlier asked her to do.

Paula Dockery is an example of what is best in our political system. She is someone who is not self-serving and who is willing to “fight the good fight” even against overwhelming odds, because it is the right thing to do.

EUGENE L. ROBERTS / Lakeland

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David Hill, a veteran Republican pollster who has worked on loads of statewide Florida campaigns – from Bob Martinez to Jeb Bush toMel Martinez (against Bill McCollum) to Eight is Enough – has been talking long and hard with Paula Dockery about running for governor. While a decision could be months away, Hill says the talk about Bill McCollum being underestimated and unbeatable in a primary is nonsense.

“Throughout his entire career he has either underacheived or run up to the starting line and dropped out before he got started. If anything, he’s probably been over-estimated,” Hill said of McCollum. “People keep coming to (Dockery) and sayting, ‘Help! I’m not sure this is going to have a happy ending for Florida. The fact that the Democrats have a likely woman nominee makes minds wander to this.”

Hill said part of the Dockery’s decision will rest upon how much momentum – and money – McCollum is showing early on.

(ORIGINAL SOURCE)