Jeb Bush Governor of Florida
John Ellis “Jeb” Bush – Governor of Florida
Often referred to as Florida’s “most accessible governor”, our 43rd governor Jeb Bush as also taken on the task of proving the skeptics wrong. Accused by critics of “riding the coattails” of his father and brother, Jeb Bush has begun to come into his own. With a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Affairs from the University of Texas in hand, Governor Bush came to Florida in 1980 with ideas and dreams of big opportunity. A businessman first, Bush helped start what is now one of the largest commercial real estate companies in South Florida - The Codina Group – and the launching board of his political career (Meet the).
Dividing his time between his real estate firm and his political career, Bush served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce under Governor Bob Martinez. He volunteered his time working with various civic organizations such as the Miami Children Hospital, the United Way of Dade County, and the Dade County Homeless Trust. In 1995, after a failed campaign for governor, Bush founded the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a nonprofit organization designed to influence public policy at the grassroots level as well as co-founding Florida’s first charter school (Meet).
Jeb Bush made his second bid for governor in 1998 with an agenda of improving Florida schools, a solid tax-relief plan, the fight against illegal drugs, tougher gun laws, environmental protection, and reforming the social services system. With promises that “no child will be left behind” in regards to education and a society of safety instead of fear, the support for Bush was strong (Govenor). The St. Petersburg Times said, “Bush can make a meaningful contribution to the education debate (What).” T. Williard Fair, President and CEO of the Urban League of Miami said, “Jeb Bush has proven himself to be decent, caring, compassionate and committed to the things that are important (What).” It was this kind of support that helped him beat out Buddy McKay by capturing 55% of the vote.
Among Jeb Bush’s accomplishments lies his ability to make good management decisions in regards to policy issues and prove his strong leadership skills in carrying out those decisions. Governor Bush’s top priority has always been education reform. Believing that education starts in the home with parents, he has established...