Celano Pledges No Political Action Committee If Elected

Vero Beach, FL/May 7, 2008 – Dr. Charles Celano, Republican candidate for State House District 80, announces that if elected he will not establish a political action committee to skirt state ethics laws. Dr. Celano says that while such committees are legal they are designed to circumvent the meaning of Florida laws that prohibit political contributions to state legislators during legislative session. During a time when the public is skeptical of its political leaders, Dr. Celano believes that Florida’s political leaders must adhere to the highest professional standards. The political action committees or 527s as they are commonly referred to, are not subject to the state’s $500 contribution limit.

“Floridians are skeptical of their elected leaders and many believe that they are bought and paid for by special interests,” said Dr. Celano. “While I know our legislators vote for the best interests of their constituents, I believe that they must set the highest ethical standard in their behavior. While political action committees are legal, they give the public the wrong impression, particularly when the public sees donations from lobbyists and corporations of $20,000 or $50,000. That is why I will not set up a political action committee and I challenge my opponent to take the same step in the right direction for ethics reform.”

“I am concerned that when politicians accept over $200,000 in campaign contributions from lobbyists that they regulate and then have a political action committee with over half a million dollars in contributions from these same lobbyists, the public has a hard time in believing that votes are not affected by contributions,” continued Celano. “Recently we had the miniseries ‘John Adams’ on television that showed the sacrifices that our founding fathers made in establishing America and their fear of special interests, I think their example is proof for the need of citizen politicians in Tallahassee versus career politicians.”

The Florida State Senate has rules that political action committees run by members have to shut down during legislative session. The Florida State House used to adhere to that rule but changed direction in 2006, removing a ban on indirect solicitations for political committees. As a result, state representatives can still take in money during session by the various interests they regulate.

A graduate of State University of New York at Stony Brook, Dr. Celano earned his medical degree at the University of Noreste. He completed his cardiology training at University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore. Like many, he was attracted to the natural beauties of the Treasure Coast. He has served as Chief of Staff at Indian River Memorial Hospital, Chairman of the Cardiology Department at Indian River Memorial Hospital and serves as Medical Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at IRMC-Duke Heart Center. He is a proud member of the Florida Medical Association, Indian River County Medical Society, American College of Healthcare Executives, and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Celano is a proud member of Republicans for Life. With his dedication for life and the sanctity of the unborn, he serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Carenet Pregnancy Centers of Indian River County.
Dr. Celano is a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and strong champion of the Second Amendment. He is the proud parent of Charles and Catherine who both reside in Vero Beach. He is a member of the Central Assembly of God Church.
Additional information on the Celano Campaign and Dr. Celano may be obtained at www.votecharlie.com.
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This release was published on openPR.