Alex Sink
Encyclopedia
Adelaide "Alex" Sink is an American politician of the Democratic Party
. Sink was the Chief Financial Officer
for the state of Florida
and treasurer on the board of trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration
. She was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida and faced Republican
nominee Rick Scott in the 2010 Florida gubernatorial election
, losing to Scott by a 1% margin.
, North Carolina
. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University
. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, she taught in West Africa
for three years.
Sink is married to Florida attorney and politician Bill McBride
who was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida in 2002
, making them the only married American couple to both run unsuccessfully in gubernatorial races. They have a son, Bert, and a daughter, Lexi.
She is a descendant of Chang Bunker, one of the famous conjoined "Siamese Twins" Chang and Eng Bunker
.
. She was appointed by former Governor Lawton Chiles
to the Commission on Government Accountability to the People, and also served on Chiles’ Commission on Education. She was vice-chair of Florida TaxWatch. Sink has also served with the Florida Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Beth El Farm Workers Ministry, and as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Hillsborough County
.
Tom Lee 53.5 percent to 46.5 percent.
She also was the first Democrat elected to the state Cabinet since 1998.
or for Governor of Florida
. In 2008, Sink stated that she would "assess the landscape after the first of the year, and make a decision then." In January 2009, Sink announced she would not run for either seat, preferring to stand for reelection as CFO. The announcement that Gov. Charlie Crist
would forgo re-election to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez
altered her position, and on May 13, 2009, Sink announced her intention to run for Governor.
On August 24, 2010, Sink won the Democratic primary for governor. She faced health care executive Rick Scott in the general election, as well as an independent (NPA
) candidate, urban designer and policy analyst, Michael E. Arth
. A former independent candidate, Bud Chiles, endorsed Sink in September.
On October 25, 2010, during a televised debate, Sink read a text message sent to her make up artist's cellular phone from a campaign official instructing Sink as to debate strategy, contrary to the rules of the debate. Sink fired the adviser who sent the text message.
After a close election, Sink conceded, giving victory to Scott. He carried 49% of the vote, and she 48%.
and Florida's Department of Management Services that preliminary findings warranted an audit
via her DFS, Bureau of Auditing for excessive spending on the First District Court of Appeal of Florida courthouse
, referred to as the "Taj Mahal" by judges around Florida as their districts are facing budget cuts. The CFO's office states that money may have been misused and as much as $16 million may have spent in a financial raid on the state's Workers' Compensation
Trust Fund. A $33.5 million bond for construction was attached to a transportation bill and passed on last day of the 2007 legislative session. This is an ongoing investigation by the CFO's office.
Sink supports a ban on oil drilling in Florida's waters. She also supports developing a comprehensive ocean management
plan to protect and preserve Florida's coastal habitat
s, marine ecosystem
s, and ocean waters by identifying appropriate areas that can be used by regulated entities.
On land conservation, Sink supports all of the programs that make up Florida Forever. She desires to work with the Florida Legislature
to restore Florida Forever funding. Sink wants the State of Florida to acquire more land for preservation of resources as well as land connecting larger parcels for safe travel corridors for migration
and large wildlife species movement in a natural habitat. These lands for public use will also remain on local government
tax rolls.
Sink states that she would emphasize protecting and conserving water, improving water quality, and increasing the water supply through reasonable timeframes for citizens and business. Sink also supports alternative water supplies through stable and adequate funding to allow the creation of alternative water supplies.
Sink is a supporter of acquisition of land north and south of Lake Okeechobee
for conservation
purposes. She is a supporter of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
to restore the Everglades
while still providing enough water for the urban, agricultural and environmental concerns. Sink would like to expedite federal approval of restoration projects and to ensure more federal funding which was part of the 50/50 state/federal partnership.
programs toward having at least one teacher with a college degree in every classroom, developing a statewide school dropout
early warning system, reforming FCAT
to raise student achievement standards, an updated curriculum
, and use Florida Lottery
funding to enhance educational programs, and as originally designed.
for the immediate and incentives for employers to keep jobs in Florida and begin expansion of the workforce through promoting economic sectors that create jobs. She has long-term goals of a stronger emphasis on R&D and commercialization of new products and boosting partnerships between our university
faculty and private industry.
(H.R. 3020) passed by the United States Congress
and enacted on March 30, 2010.
's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade
(410 U.S. 113) which legalized abortion in the United States
. Sink has been endorsed by Emily's List
as pro-choice. In 2003, Planned Parenthood
of Southwest and Central Florida honored Sink with its "Choice Award" for her outspoken support for women's rights and reproductive freedom. "She is the only pro-choice member of Florida's cabinet, and, as governor, will protect a woman's right to choose."
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Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. Sink was the Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer of Florida
The Chief Financial Officer of Florida is a statewide constitutional officer of Florida. The office was created in 2002 following the 1998 reforms of the Florida Cabinet....
for the state of Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and treasurer on the board of trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration
Florida State Board of Administration
The Florida State Board of Administration manages pension funds for nearly 1 million current and retired Florida teachers, public employees, and their families...
. She was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida and faced Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
nominee Rick Scott in the 2010 Florida gubernatorial election
Florida gubernatorial election, 2010
The 2010 Florida gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Governor Charlie Crist chose not to run for a second term and instead ran for the Senate seat vacated by Mel Martinez. This resulted in an open race for Governor of Florida...
, losing to Scott by a 1% margin.
Personal
Sink was raised in Mount AiryMount Airy, North Carolina
Mount Airy is a city in Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,388.-History:Mount Airy was settled in the 1750s as a stagecoach stop on the road between Winston-Salem and Galax, Virginia. It was named for a nearby plantation...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational university in the U.S. state of North Carolina, founded in 1834. The university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. The Reynolda Campus, the university's main campus, is...
. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, she taught in West Africa
West Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
for three years.
Sink is married to Florida attorney and politician Bill McBride
Bill McBride (candidate)
Bill McBride is an American lawyer and politician.A Democrat, he challenged Jeb Bush for Florida governor in the 2002 gubernatorial election. Bush won 56-43 percent, making him the first Republican governor of Florida to serve two terms...
who was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida in 2002
Florida gubernatorial election, 2002
The 2002 Florida gubernatorial election took place on 5 November 2002 for the post of Governor of Florida. Incumbent Republican governor Jeb Bush defeated Democratic candidate Bill McBride...
, making them the only married American couple to both run unsuccessfully in gubernatorial races. They have a son, Bert, and a daughter, Lexi.
She is a descendant of Chang Bunker, one of the famous conjoined "Siamese Twins" Chang and Eng Bunker
Chang and Eng Bunker
Chang and Eng Bunker were the conjoined twin brothers whose condition and birthplace became the basis for the term "Siamese twins".-Life:...
.
Career
Sink is a former president of Florida Operations at Bank of AmericaBank of America
Bank of America Corporation, an American multinational banking and financial services corporation, is the second largest bank holding company in the United States by assets, and the fourth largest bank in the U.S. by market capitalization. The bank is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina...
. She was appointed by former Governor Lawton Chiles
Lawton Chiles
Lawton Mainor Chiles, Jr. was an American politician from the US state of Florida. In a career spanning four decades, Chiles, a Democrat who never lost an election, served in the Florida House of Representatives , the Florida State Senate , the United States Senate , and as the 41st Governor of...
to the Commission on Government Accountability to the People, and also served on Chiles’ Commission on Education. She was vice-chair of Florida TaxWatch. Sink has also served with the Florida Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Beth El Farm Workers Ministry, and as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County, Florida
As of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
.
Florida Chief Financial Officer
Sink was the Democratic candidate for Florida's office of Chief Financial Officer in 2006. She defeated RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Tom Lee 53.5 percent to 46.5 percent.
She also was the first Democrat elected to the state Cabinet since 1998.
2010 gubernatorial candidate
Heading into the 2010 cycle, Sink was mentioned as a possible candidate for the U.S. SenateUnited States Senate election in Florida, 2010
-Polling:-Results:-Background:Upon Senator Martinez's announcement that he would not run for reelection, early speculation surrounded former Governor Jeb Bush. It was thought that if Bush decided to run, other potential Republican candidates would allow Bush to run uncontested...
or for Governor of Florida
Florida gubernatorial election, 2010
The 2010 Florida gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Governor Charlie Crist chose not to run for a second term and instead ran for the Senate seat vacated by Mel Martinez. This resulted in an open race for Governor of Florida...
. In 2008, Sink stated that she would "assess the landscape after the first of the year, and make a decision then." In January 2009, Sink announced she would not run for either seat, preferring to stand for reelection as CFO. The announcement that Gov. Charlie Crist
Charlie Crist
Charles Joseph "Charlie" Crist, Jr. is an American politician who was the 44th Governor of Florida. Prior to his election as governor, Crist previously served as Florida State Senator, Education Commissioner, and Attorney General...
would forgo re-election to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez
United States Senate election in Florida, 2010
-Polling:-Results:-Background:Upon Senator Martinez's announcement that he would not run for reelection, early speculation surrounded former Governor Jeb Bush. It was thought that if Bush decided to run, other potential Republican candidates would allow Bush to run uncontested...
altered her position, and on May 13, 2009, Sink announced her intention to run for Governor.
On August 24, 2010, Sink won the Democratic primary for governor. She faced health care executive Rick Scott in the general election, as well as an independent (NPA
No Party Affiliation
No Party Affiliation or NPA is a term used to apply to those voters or politicians who do not hold an affiliation with any particular political party. Another term which is often used in place of "NPA" is "Independent".In the U.S...
) candidate, urban designer and policy analyst, Michael E. Arth
Michael E. Arth
Michael E. Arth is an American artist, home/landscape/urban designer, public policy analyst, advocate for the homeless, futurist, and author. He was a candidate for the governor of Florida in 2009 and 2010.-Art:Michael E...
. A former independent candidate, Bud Chiles, endorsed Sink in September.
On October 25, 2010, during a televised debate, Sink read a text message sent to her make up artist's cellular phone from a campaign official instructing Sink as to debate strategy, contrary to the rules of the debate. Sink fired the adviser who sent the text message.
After a close election, Sink conceded, giving victory to Scott. He carried 49% of the vote, and she 48%.
Fiscal policy
Sink is a consumer advocate and strict proponent of fiscal responsibility and accountability for government spending. She began measures of efficiency with her own department, the Florida Department of Financial Services, by saving an estimated $2.2 million in waste annually.Florida Taj Mahal scandal
On August 30, 2010 Alex Sink sent letters to the Florida Supreme CourtFlorida Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Florida is the highest court in the U.S. state of Florida. The Supreme Court consists of seven judges: the Chief Justice and six Justices who are appointed by the Governor to 6-year terms and remain in office if retained in a general election near the end of each...
and Florida's Department of Management Services that preliminary findings warranted an audit
Audit
The general definition of an audit is an evaluation of a person, organization, system, process, enterprise, project or product. The term most commonly refers to audits in accounting, but similar concepts also exist in project management, quality management, and energy conservation.- Accounting...
via her DFS, Bureau of Auditing for excessive spending on the First District Court of Appeal of Florida courthouse
Courthouse
A courthouse is a building that is home to a local court of law and often the regional county government as well, although this is not the case in some larger cities. The term is common in North America. In most other English speaking countries, buildings which house courts of law are simply...
, referred to as the "Taj Mahal" by judges around Florida as their districts are facing budget cuts. The CFO's office states that money may have been misused and as much as $16 million may have spent in a financial raid on the state's Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the employee's right to sue his or her employer for the tort of negligence...
Trust Fund. A $33.5 million bond for construction was attached to a transportation bill and passed on last day of the 2007 legislative session. This is an ongoing investigation by the CFO's office.
Environment
- Opposition to oil drilling
Sink supports a ban on oil drilling in Florida's waters. She also supports developing a comprehensive ocean management
Marine conservation
Marine conservation, also known as marine resources conservation, is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas. Marine conservation focuses on limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, and on restoring damaged marine ecosystems...
plan to protect and preserve Florida's coastal habitat
Coast
A coastline or seashore is the area where land meets the sea or ocean. A precise line that can be called a coastline cannot be determined due to the dynamic nature of tides. The term "coastal zone" can be used instead, which is a spatial zone where interaction of the sea and land processes occurs...
s, marine ecosystem
Marine ecosystem
Marine ecosystems are among the largest of Earth's aquatic ecosystems. They include oceans, salt marsh and intertidal ecology, estuaries and lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs, the deep sea and the sea floor. They can be contrasted with freshwater ecosystems, which have a lower salt content. Marine...
s, and ocean waters by identifying appropriate areas that can be used by regulated entities.
- Land conservation
On land conservation, Sink supports all of the programs that make up Florida Forever. She desires to work with the Florida Legislature
Florida Legislature
The Florida State Legislature is the term often used to refer to the two houses that act as the state legislature of the U.S. state of Florida. The Florida Constitution states that "The legislative power of the state shall be vested in a legislature of the State of Florida," composed of a Senate...
to restore Florida Forever funding. Sink wants the State of Florida to acquire more land for preservation of resources as well as land connecting larger parcels for safe travel corridors for migration
Animal migration
Animal migration is the relatively long-distance movement of individuals, usually on a seasonal basis. It is a ubiquitous phenomenon, found in all major animal groups, including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans. The trigger for the migration may be local...
and large wildlife species movement in a natural habitat. These lands for public use will also remain on local government
Local government
Local government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
tax rolls.
- Water conservation
Sink states that she would emphasize protecting and conserving water, improving water quality, and increasing the water supply through reasonable timeframes for citizens and business. Sink also supports alternative water supplies through stable and adequate funding to allow the creation of alternative water supplies.
- Everglades restoration
Sink is a supporter of acquisition of land north and south of Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee , locally referred to as The Lake or The Big O, is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida. It is the seventh largest freshwater lake in the United States and the second largest freshwater lake contained entirely within the lower 48 states...
for conservation
Habitat conservation
Habitat conservation is a land management practice that seeks to conserve, protect and restore, habitat areas for wild plants and animals, especially conservation reliant species, and prevent their extinction, fragmentation or reduction in range...
purposes. She is a supporter of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
The Central and Southern Florida Project, which was first authorized by Congress in 1948, is a multi-purpose project that provides flood control, water supply for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses, prevention of saltwater intrusion, water supply for Everglades National Park, and...
to restore the Everglades
Everglades
The Everglades are subtropical wetlands in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, comprising the southern half of a large watershed. The system begins near Orlando with the Kissimmee River, which discharges into the vast but shallow Lake Okeechobee...
while still providing enough water for the urban, agricultural and environmental concerns. Sink would like to expedite federal approval of restoration projects and to ensure more federal funding which was part of the 50/50 state/federal partnership.
Education
Sink supports improving Florida's public schools at the local level. Sink wants a timeline for transitioning pre-KindergartenKindergarten
A kindergarten is a preschool educational institution for children. The term was created by Friedrich Fröbel for the play and activity institute that he created in 1837 in Bad Blankenburg as a social experience for children for their transition from home to school...
programs toward having at least one teacher with a college degree in every classroom, developing a statewide school dropout
Dropping out
Dropping out means leaving a group for either practical reasons, necessities or disillusionment with the system from which the individual in question leaves....
early warning system, reforming FCAT
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or the FCAT , is the standardized test used in the primary and secondary public schools of Florida...
to raise student achievement standards, an updated curriculum
Curriculum
See also Syllabus.In formal education, a curriculum is the set of courses, and their content, offered at a school or university. As an idea, curriculum stems from the Latin word for race course, referring to the course of deeds and experiences through which children grow to become mature adults...
, and use Florida Lottery
Florida Lottery
The Florida Lottery is a government-run organization in Florida, USA. With numerous on-line and scratch-off games available, players have a wide variety of prize levels to choose from. Since it began, the Florida Lottery has continued to add variety to its portfolio of games...
funding to enhance educational programs, and as originally designed.
Florida's economy
Sink is for stabilizing small businessSmall business
A small business is a business that is privately owned and operated, with a small number of employees and relatively low volume of sales. Small businesses are normally privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships...
for the immediate and incentives for employers to keep jobs in Florida and begin expansion of the workforce through promoting economic sectors that create jobs. She has long-term goals of a stronger emphasis on R&D and commercialization of new products and boosting partnerships between our university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
faculty and private industry.
Health care
Sink supported the Patient Protection and Affordable Care ActPatient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
(H.R. 3020) passed by the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
and enacted on March 30, 2010.
Abortion
Sink supports the Supreme CourtSupreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade, , was a controversial landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. The Court decided that a right to privacy under the due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution extends to a woman's decision to have an abortion,...
(410 U.S. 113) which legalized abortion in the United States
Abortion in the United States
Abortion in the United States has been legal in every state since the United States Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, on January 22, 1973...
. Sink has been endorsed by Emily's List
EMILY's List
EMILY's List is a political action committee in the United States that aims to help elect female candidates to office. It was founded by Ellen Malcolm in 1984....
as pro-choice. In 2003, Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
of Southwest and Central Florida honored Sink with its "Choice Award" for her outspoken support for women's rights and reproductive freedom. "She is the only pro-choice member of Florida's cabinet, and, as governor, will protect a woman's right to choose."
Adoption
Alex Sink believes in the placement of children in a home where it is in the best interests of children regardless of gender preference. She addressed a group of 300 gay and lesbian advocates at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale. She said, "We need a system in which all of our children are assured that they live in a healthy, loving home -- a home that's determined not by any law." "The decision has to be made by the judge, in consultation with the experts, to determine what is the best for that individual child."Immigration
Sink opposes an immigration bill modeled after Arizona immigration law (2010), saying that "The law passed in Arizona does not meet Florida's needs" and supporting that is the responsibility of the federal government to prevent immigrants from illegally crossing the border, stating that it is not the responsibility of the government of the state.Electoral history
External links
- Florida Department of Financial Services
- Alex Sink for Governor official campaign website
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