There is nothing sincere about this apology. It reads like a bad comms consultant wrote it. There’s little ownership of their decisions. There’s no reason given. It reads as completely inauthentic.
Two ironic points… if they had not defeated Flowers, she could have willingly been there for that vote and if Gov had not taken Gillespie out if Senate then Walker could have been there to vote. Just an amusing thought.
—Metro Person—
I believe Evans may have given an actual excuse since his button was never clicked during the budget votes. Staff wouldn;t have clicked it during a verification if they knew he wasn’t here. Ortiz however apparently had left around 3 am and when they called to see where he was at, he was at Wally’s gas station. I’d love to know what he so desperately had to do at 3 in the morning other than his literal job.
- Just Another Anon - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:30 pm:
>Staff wouldn’t have clicked it during a verification
Can we please get away from a system when staff hits the button and have the actual legislator do it? Seems like just about the lowest reasonable expectation.
I accepted any apology that is sincerely offered, and I believe they are sincere.
But this episode is more proof that there are far too many people in Springfield with the word “Leader” in front of their name. That title has been devalued by how frequently it is handed out and by the behavior of some who hold it.
Yes, the apology should be accepted. Assuming they were yes votes on both bills but were absent for some reason? Does this mean the legislators who voted for the budget and against revenues were already granted permission to do so prior to the structured roll call?
Flowers hasn’t been to work in 2024, but for some reason, people are trying to blame her behavior on the Speaker. Win or lose an election, she should have still come to work to represent her district. She should have signed an apology too.
No. They should be removed from leadership. Be a leader, show up, do the work, lead by example. Session ends every year at the end of May. Sometimes early sometimes late. Short of a family medical reason you need to just show up.
- Frumpy White Guy - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 3:25 pm:
I wonder why they didn’t do separate letters. Seems less genuine to do a joint apology.
- Metro Person - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 1:51 pm:
But do we know where and why they were absent?
- Under Influenced - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 1:55 pm:
The promise at the end reads like a child’s apology for taking their classmate’s toy truck.
- Excitable Boy - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 1:55 pm:
That really depends on why they were absent. Are they willing to say?
- big picture - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 1:56 pm:
This adds to the ridiculousness of the end of session and the chaos. Why do this and continue the story.
- Tom - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:09 pm:
Everyone deserves to be forgiven if they are sincere. I would accept the apology, but I would like to know why they left.
- Form letter - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:14 pm:
There is nothing sincere about this apology. It reads like a bad comms consultant wrote it. There’s little ownership of their decisions. There’s no reason given. It reads as completely inauthentic.
- Ironic - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:19 pm:
Two ironic points… if they had not defeated Flowers, she could have willingly been there for that vote and if Gov had not taken Gillespie out if Senate then Walker could have been there to vote. Just an amusing thought.
- politico - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:20 pm:
—Metro Person—
I believe Evans may have given an actual excuse since his button was never clicked during the budget votes. Staff wouldn;t have clicked it during a verification if they knew he wasn’t here. Ortiz however apparently had left around 3 am and when they called to see where he was at, he was at Wally’s gas station. I’d love to know what he so desperately had to do at 3 in the morning other than his literal job.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:21 pm:
===then Walker could have been there to vote===
They could’ve just appointed a replacement.
- Just Another Anon - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:30 pm:
>Staff wouldn’t have clicked it during a verification
Can we please get away from a system when staff hits the button and have the actual legislator do it? Seems like just about the lowest reasonable expectation.
- Tony T. - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:31 pm:
I accepted any apology that is sincerely offered, and I believe they are sincere.
But this episode is more proof that there are far too many people in Springfield with the word “Leader” in front of their name. That title has been devalued by how frequently it is handed out and by the behavior of some who hold it.
- Thomas - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:31 pm:
Alienating Mary Flowers sure paid off with a vote that close, eh Speaker?
- TJ - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:40 pm:
Depends on for what reason. An illness, unexpected family emergency, or the like? Sure, they’re human, after all.
Just had better things to do or didn’t want to take a tough vote or stand? Cut their leadership roles, titles, and perks.
- Blazzzer - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:40 pm:
Yes, the apology should be accepted. Assuming they were yes votes on both bills but were absent for some reason? Does this mean the legislators who voted for the budget and against revenues were already granted permission to do so prior to the structured roll call?
- Blazzzer - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:41 pm:
Wrong post
- Capitol Observer - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 2:57 pm:
Flowers hasn’t been to work in 2024, but for some reason, people are trying to blame her behavior on the Speaker. Win or lose an election, she should have still come to work to represent her district. She should have signed an apology too.
- OneOpinion - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 3:12 pm:
Accepting an apology and having consequences for bad behavior are not mutually exclusive, no?
- Two Left Feet - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 3:18 pm:
Is there just one brother?
- Mea Culpa - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 3:18 pm:
…Meh.
Nothing surprises me anymore. They apologized. Next crisis.
- Neef Jr - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 3:19 pm:
No. They should be removed from leadership. Be a leader, show up, do the work, lead by example. Session ends every year at the end of May. Sometimes early sometimes late. Short of a family medical reason you need to just show up.
- Frumpy White Guy - Friday, May 31, 24 @ 3:25 pm:
I wonder why they didn’t do separate letters. Seems less genuine to do a joint apology.