For a man who wants to govern the people of Florida, Adam Putnam has very alarming skeletons in his closet. Based on reports from Lehigh Acres Citizen, Putnam flagrantly ignored the citizens and systems of Florida. 17 years ago, when Florida impounded citrus trees from the private property of citizens, the court ruled in the favor of the people, declaring that they should be granted monetary compensation to help ease their burdens. Judges and juries alike have ordered for the people to be paid back, yet Putnam has failed to do so.

Putnam knowingly and remorselessly colluded with Gov. Scott to halt the payments that are owed to the citizens who had property seized from them. Such a breach of law is disgusting and should automatically disqualify Putnam from seeking public office. How can he claim to be for the people and then blatantly refuse to compensate citizens who were subjected to inexcusable intrusions from the government?

According to the Naples News, Article X, Section 6(a) of the Florida Constitution mandates that property owners are to be granted complete monetary compensation when the state seizes ones private property to use for a public cause. Apparently, this decree is utterly meaningless to Putnam. After all, he has held public office for years, so why should he have to follow the rules and laws designed for "ordinary people?"

Putnam's dangerous and toxic mindset of entitlement and greed is cancerous to the people of Florida. He has no business running for office when he has demonstrated the inability to follow the rules of Florida. One of the greatest plights in recent politics has manifested in the form of candidates who believe they are above the law. This cannot stand. The people of Florida deserve a Governor who truly values and respects them in addition to the sacredness of public office. Corruption and duplicitous deeds can not longer be permitted to prosper and win elections.

If Adam Putnam truly cares about the people of Florida, he will resign with dignity. His and Gov. Scott's refusal to pay what is rightfully owed to Floridians has engendered annual interest of $4.7 million. Unfortunately, Putnam's only regard is for power, not the people he is asking to elect him. At some point, citizens of Florida who had their private property seized will have to be paid. A leader with class and grace would have insured that the reimbursements were made immediately. Hopefully, the people of Florida will see the light and collectively vote against Adam Putnam in 2018.