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State Representative Bob Cortes today released the following statement:
“Ron DeSantis has made an outstanding choice for his running mate in Rep. Jeanette Nunez, and I congratulate her. She brings outstanding experience and a strong work ethic to the GOP ticket that will serve the State of Florida very well. [Read more…] about Cortes Congratulates Nuñez on Lt. Governor Nod
State Representative Bob Cortes today made the following statement regarding the Public Service Commission’s unanimous approval of Utilities Inc.’s request to nearly double water and wastewater rates for Seminole County residents:
“This decision, which doubles rates for West Seminole residents, demonstrates that the Public Service Commission is not standing on the side of consumers. Without a compelling case from Utilities Inc. and despite a public hearing where citizens expressed their concerns, the PSC moved ahead with a decision that would clearly impose an unfair burden, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. In the Legislature, we have repeatedly worked to do just the opposite, as we have passed numerous measures to reduce taxes and fees, including the property tax exemption passed just this year. Floridians should expect better from public servants like the Public Service Commissioners, and I hope they will do better going forward.”
State Representative Bob Cortes releases a statement callingIn case you missed it, State Representative Bob Cortes issued the statement below following a press conference earlier today at the Capitol:
“I applaud Governor Scott’s executive orders that reassign all 21 of State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s first-degree murder cases to State Attorney Brad King. I appreciate the Governor’s decisive action to pursue justice for the victims of the unspeakable crimes represented by these cases.”
“In light of State Attorney Ayala’s insistence that she will not consider capital punishment in any case, no matter how horrific, I continue to believe justice would best be served by her suspension from office, and I urge Governor Scott to seek her removal.”
About Bob Cortes for State Representative
Bob was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014. Previously, he served as mayor of Longwood and on the Longwood City Commission beginning in November 2009. In 2012, he was re-elected to a second term. He is a member of the Seminole County Community Traffic Safety Team and a graduate of the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. He is a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). With this organization, Bob has participated in several institutes, including the Newly Elected Leadership Institute, the Redistricting Institute, and the Fiscal Policy Institute hosted by NALEO and the Kellogg School of Business. Bob grew up in New York and Puerto Rico and moved to Central Florida in 1989. He founded Cortes Towing Service, a successful small business now in operation for over two decades. In 2011, he started another venture, Cortrans Shuttle Service, a transportation provider that serves Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando International Airport, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, and area attractions. He was recently named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He and his wife, Virginia, are members of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. They are blessed with three grandchildren.
ON THE WEB: www.bobcortes.com
“Governor Scott’s removal of State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd case was the only way to fully ensure that justice for the victims of these heinous crimes will be done. State Attorney Ayala’s unilateral decision to not seek the death penalty would do great damage to our judicial system, and yesterday’s decision to keep her off the case was the right one. I hope her removal will continue to be upheld and that the victims’ families will find some measure of comfort that the case against Mr. Loyd is being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
While I’m glad State Attorney Ayala is off this case, I continue to believe she should be suspended, and I urge Governor Scott to seriously consider that option. By saying that she will not pursue the death penalty in this or any other case, she is failing to fully do the job she was elected to do. For that reason, in addition to the Loyd case, all of State Attorney Ayala’s cases should be re-assigned to prosecutors who will consider the full range of appropriate options for seeking justice in the Ninth Circuit.”
State Representative Bob Cortes applauded Governor Rick Scott’s decision to remove State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd case, but continues to call for her suspension. In a letter to the Governor last week, in addition to asking Scott to suspend Ayala, Cortes asked the Governor to review all pending death penalty cases in the Ninth Circuit and reassign her cases to other state attorneys. The move came after Ayala announced last week that she would not seek the death penalty in the case of Markeith Loyd or any other case.
“It was entirely appropriate for the Governor to remove Ayala from this case, and it remains so given the lack of cooperation we have seen from her today,” said Cortes. I continue to believe strongly that State Attorney Ayala’s disregard for Markeith Loyd’s victims demonstrates the irreparable harm she could do to justice in the Ninth Circuit and warrants her removal from office. If she continues to follow through with her promise to not hear current death penalty cases, including six pending cases, justice may be thwarted for additional victims of heinous crimes. I appreciate the Governor’s swift response thus far. I am confident he will continue to act within the scope of Florida law to ensure that justice is done for Markeith Loyd’s victims and everyone in the Ninth Circuit.”
