County Champion Award Presented to CFO Sink

Above:  Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink

Florida Association of Counties commends CFO Sink for her commitment to Florida’s counties

TALLAHASSEE- This week Florida CFO Alex Sink was presented with the County Champion Award by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). The award is presented to select state leaders who champion issues and policies that support local government and preserve home rule.

“The future of Florida’s economy will depend on the economic health of our counties, which is why we must do everything we can at the state level to work together and foster our local governments’ diverse needs and exciting innovations,” said CFO Sink. “I’m humbled to be recognized for championing issues that can help those who serve closest to the people provide needed services and build a stronger economic foundation for Florida.”

The award was presented to Sink for her continued support of Florida’s counties, including her outspoken opposition to TABOR, which if passed would have a crippling effect on local governments’ ability to provide critical services and respond to demands from the citizens of Florida. CFO Sink took the time to speak out against TABOR during the 2007 Taxation Budget Reform Commission meetings and again last year writing a letter to House and Senate leaders warning of the consequences TABOR would have on Florida’s financial future.

“CFO Sink has been a strong advocate on behalf of counties,” said FAC President and Alachua County Commissioner Rodney Long, “She recognizes the important role local governments play in our lives and the need for state and local governments to work together for Floridians.”

In addition, Sink has worked tirelessly to protect county tax dollars that are held by the State Board of Administration to ensure dollars were protected and safeguards were put in place to protect county investments into the future. Finally, Sink was also recognized for her efforts in Washington D.C. to help counties suffering from the credit crisis by allowing the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) to be extended to local governments.

The award was presented to CFO Sink in Tallahassee at the Joint Presidents Meeting where Presidents of the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities, and Florida School Boards Association were convened. Sink exemplifies a County Champion – someone who recognizes the need for all governments to work together and acknowledges the important role counties have in ensuring the citizens of Florida have the critical services and quality of life they demand.

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties is a non-profit association representing the diverse interests of Florida’s 67 counties. The mission of the Florida Association of Counties is to help counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.

As a statewide elected officer of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Alex Sink oversees the Department of Financial Services. A successful businesswoman with nearly three decades of experience in the private sector, Sink is serving her first term as Florida’s CFO. As CFO, Sink’s priorities include using her business experience to cut wasteful government spending, cracking down on financial and insurance fraud and reforming the state government’s contracting practices. Sink also serves as the State Fire Marshal.