The State Constitution of Florida Article II § 5(b)

The State Constitution of Florida Article II § 5(b)

Michael Gold, Editor
HISTORIC CITY NEWS

Article II § 5(b) of the State Constitution sets forth the words that, by law, must be subscribed by every elected official in Florida. Those words comprise their oath, their pledge, their promise, to perform their duties faithfully, and to perform them well.

Although it is the department heads, their staff, managers and administrators, and their assistants, who execute the day-to-day operation of the various bureaus of our government, the bureaucrats do not have to swear, or affirm, anything — for them there is no investiture.

“I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of Commissioner, on which I am now about to enter, so help me God.”

There are no greater obligations than those of public servants who have custody and control of other people’s money. The responsibility to exercise integrity and good governance of the public health, safety and welfare is second to none; it is required by our constitution and required of elected officials by their oath of office.

Perhaps it is time to hold those who have the most control of the people’s government, the most accountable for their actions, or lack thereof. Perhaps staff at all levels of government should be held to the same sworn, public affirmation of their obligation “to well and faithfully perform the duties” of their employment.

At Historic City News, we are aware of the many success stories of transparent government that remains accountable to the people at the top of the “organizational chart” — the citizens.

History also reminds us of the consequences to individuals who, without regard for the voice of the people, abuse the power to tax — through extravagance and self-serving waste. The words of Samuel Adams at the beginning of the American Revolution come to mind.