Lawyers for Scott balk at releasing governor's financial records
Lawyers for Scott balk at releasing governor's financial records
TALLAHASSEE Lawyers for Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a wealthy former businessman who put up millions of his money to help his two campaigns, are refusing to hand over detailed financial information that could answer whether Scott is violating a state ethics law.
George Sheldon sought the information as part of their ongoing lawsuit that contends Scott is failing to report his actual wealth as required under the state's financial disclosure requirements. Sheldon, a Democrat who mounted an unsuccessful campaign for attorney general, filed the lawsuit last October.
Court filings show lawyers hired privately by Scott are vigorously fighting a request to turn over information on trust accounts maintained by Scott and his wife, first lady Ann Scott. Sheldon's attorney also is seeking information on a financial adviser handling Scott's money.
"I was surprised to see the governor of Florida claim his finances are private, when in fact the constitution provides they are public," said Don Hinkle, the attorney representing Sheldon.
Scott's lawyers, who have termed the request "blatant harassment" in court documents, maintain that the information sought by Hinkle is "highly confidential" or irrelevant to the underlying lawsuit.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-rick-scott-finances-fight-20150202-story.html