FLA. CFO CANDIDATE LEE PRAISES WINNER SINK

TITLE: FLA. CFO CANDIDATE LEE PRAISES WINNER SINK

AUTHOR: By Brian Kern
When Tom Lee spoke to Insurance Journal about his defeat in the race to be the next Florida Chief Financial Officer, he complimented his opponent as smart and capable.

“We drew a very talented and competent opponent. She was by far the best candidate the Democrats could have had,” Lee said, referring to the incoming Democratic CFO Alex Sink. “The issues are going to require not just smart people — they’re going to require capable business people who know how to apply basic business practices to a solid solution — and she can do that.”

Lee expressed his disappointment in his loss, but at the same time, said he was ready to get back to his personal life and his family business. “I’m a business man — I spent 22 years in the home building business,” Lee said. “I really enjoy it. I won’t go seeking opportunities to re-enter public office. Now there will be lots of opportunities to get re-engaged in my personal life.”

Lee had more good to say about Sink. “She (Sink) is an off-the-chart smart business person,” he said. “She will rely on her own business acumen — she will be hands-on and she’ll do it herself. She will make informed decisions as she goes along.”

He noted that the CFO has a vote along with the governor, giving her influence over the insurance commissioner.

Lee said he has faith in Sink’s ability to “create a voice of reason” to solve the problems with the state’s property and casualty insurance crisis.