The two leading candidates in the race to become Florida's next governor are arguing over who should take on the task of regulating the state's collection agencies. Both, in this, an election year, say they want the job. Last year, each candidate said the other had failed to investigate rogue agencies even though their current political roles require them to do so.
Now, Alex Sink, a Democrat and currently Florida's chief financial officer, is asking legislators to give the Department of Financial Services - under her office - the power to regulate and punish wayward debt collectors instead of leaving that job to another agency overseen by the full Florida Cabinet. Attorney General Bill McCollum, the Republican frontrunner, also wants to extend his power to chase collectors. His office is suggesting Sink's proposal would weaken the attorney general's ability to protect consumers, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The issue of regulating agencies has been an early key in the race after it was reported last fall that no investigations had been opened into illegal collection activities by either Sink or McCollum’s offices, the two offices presumed to be in charge of policing such activities (Collections & Credit Risk, Nov. 4).
Last fall, at the peak of the back-and-forth between Sink and McCollum, Sink campaign manager Paul Dunn sent out a release headlined "Why Do Your Job When You Can Avoid It?" and added, "If McCollum ignores his responsibilities as Attorney General, how can Floridians count on him as Governor?"
The Orlando Sentinel previously reported that the Office of Financial Regulation - which licenses in-state collectors - had received more than 1,400 complaints in the past two years but has not fined or suspended anyone. That office answers to Sink, McCollum, Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson and Gov. Crist in their roles on the state's Financial Services Commission.
Consumer advocates and lawyers say harassment, including threats, has surged as the economy faltered and consumers lost the ability to pay their bills.
