The election of Fried, who ran on a program of putting consumers needs over corporate interests, gives me hope that Florida will re-instate public postings of health violations at grocery stores and won't, like the last agricultural commissioner (proud NRA-sellout Adam Putnam) be susceptible to political influence by Publix. Publix's political contribution to Putnam, which looked to me like an obvious quid pro quo to suppress that chain's health violations, had prompted my months-long boycott of Publix. I was determined to continue to boycott the grocery chain as long as there wasn't a consumer watchdog in the agricultural commissioner's office.
Fried is now the highest ranking Democrat in Florida -- and the first woman to serve as Florida's agricultural commissioner.
Something for which to be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!
