FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21st, 2017
CONTACT:
Susan Smith, 813-390-3616
Democratic Progressive Caucus Passes Resolution
in Support of State Attorney Ayala
Tampa, FL — Susan Smith, President of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, released the following statement:
At the annual conference in Tampa this past weekend, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida passed the following resolution in support of Orange/Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala.
“State’s Attorney Ayala was duly elected by the citizens of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. She must be allowed to use her discretion in cases without interference from the governor. Rick Scott is overstepping his authority.” Smith said.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE RIGHT OF FLORIDA’S STATE ATTORNEYS TO EXERCISE THEIR PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION
WHEREAS, Aramis Ayala is the democratically elected State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida (Orange/Osceola); and
WHEREAS, Aramis Ayala’s exercise of her prosecutorial discretion in deciding not to pursue the death penalty for Markeith Lloyd is in full compliance with all local, state, and federal laws; and
WHEREAS, It is a bedrock principle of our American democracy to respect the will of the people who have exercised their electoral choices; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rick Scott has removed Aramis Ayala as the prosecutor in the Markeith Lloyd case; and
WHEREAS, Governor Scott’s Executive Order is a cynical and politically-motivated action, which infringes on the independence of prosecutors, exceeds his authority, sets a dangerous precedent; and undermines the right of the residents of Orange and Osceola counties to elect their own prosecutor;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida expresses its support for Aramis Ayala’s right to exercise her prosecutorial discretion when deciding whether or not to pursue the death penalty in any case, and calls upon Governor Rick Scott to immediately rescind his Executive Order removing Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Lloyd case.
Adopted this 18th day of March, 2017.
/s/Lisa Murano
Secretary
