Ask the Governor — he really does want to answer your questions

I want to issue a challenge to you, the Northwest Florida reader of 850. Put your doubts aside. Don’t wonder if you are capable of posing a question to our state’s leader. This is an opportunity that the governor and 850 have provided especially for you.
Ask the Governor — he really does want to answer your questions. By Brian Rowland

For the past year, we have been running a page where we give answers to questions from Northwest Florida business leaders that editor Linda Kleindienst has posed to Gov. Charlie Crist.

When I speak to fellow businessmen and women about 850 Magazine, I often hear how much they enjoy reading these questions from “non-press” folks and the direct responses given by the governor.

My return comment is always, “How about a question we can pose from you — something that might relate to your personal business or industry?” Immediately I lose eye contact and get a noncommittal response, and the conversation quickly shifts to another topic.

So I began pressing people a bit to find out what the big deal is. Bottom line: Most don’t feel that their question is adequate or meaningful enough to “Ask the Governor.” These are successful, confident and assertive entrepreneurs who rarely doubt themselves or worry about what others may think.

I can assure you, the governor of our state is just like you and me — and very approachable. Gov. Crist would hardly welcome Linda into his office if he wasn’t willing to address any issue, large or small.

I want to issue a challenge to you, the Northwest Florida reader of 850. Put your doubts aside. Don’t wonder if you are capable of posing a question to our state’s leader. This is an opportunity that the governor and 850 have provided especially for you. Any question you ask is likely to be on the minds of other business owners in the region. If you have a concern on a state, regional or even local issue, step up and give voice to it.

Send it by e-mail to Linda at lkleindienst@rowlandpublishing.com. Or post your question on our Facebook page at facebook.com/850bizmag. We’ll happily ask it for you.