by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Attorney Wayne Hogan, who scored a $17 billion settlement and an injunction forcing the tobacco companies to remove billboards advertising the cigarette-puffing Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man, told members of the Meninak Club Monday that he was disappointed the settlement did not culminate into a statewide improvement of Florida’s educational system.
“I’m somewhat bitter about the end results of the case,” said Hogan. “The State has not done what they could have done and should have done with the settlement. If business in this state is serious about having a qualified workforce that is well-educated and capable, then it is necessary for business to say, ‘We must pay our debts,’ and one of our debts is educating our children.”
Don’t expect Hogan’s frustration to translate into running for political office. He considered running for State Sen. Jim King’s seat when it was vacant a couple of years back, but decided against it because of district lines.
“There is a small chance of a Democrat being elected in that particular district,” said Hogan. “It’s not that I wouldn’t be interested in serving a public office, but sometimes the redistricting process makes it impossible for members of a particular party to be elected. I’m going to be active in supporting the Democratic nominee for governor. Presently, I am supporting Bill McBride.”
As far as running for a local office, Hogan says he had no interest in jumping into the mayoral race. He intends to focus on ousting Jeb Bush from the governor’s mansion, health and educational needs in the state and reforming Florida’s tax structure.