LIVE OAK, FLA. — Florida Senator Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, and Florida House of Representative Elizabeth Porter, R-Lake City, visited Live Oak on Wednesday morning for a legislative delegation hearing.

The state representatives listened to issues Suwannee County departments are facing like budget cuts and economic development. It also allowed citizens to express their concerns, ask questions and share ideas with state representatives.

Mayor Sonny Nobles began the meeting by presenting newly elected Bradley with a key to the city of Live Oak. The mayor also asked that Bradley keep Live Oak in mind while he is in Tallahassee.

“I hope we continue to have your ear and support over the coming years,” Nobles said. “We don’t want to be forgotten. I know you’re a distance apart, but it’s a short drive.”

Bradley assured the mayor he would keep Live Oak and Suwannee County in mind. He began his career in law representing local governments and has a good perspective on the impact of the government closest to the people, he said.

“You won’t be forgotten,” Bradley said. “I’ve got a key now, and I’ll keep you in my heart.”

He also encouraged everyone to remember the legislature. Bradley said it was important for the people to monitor the legislature so they can make sure that things happening in Tallahassee are consistent with their values.

“When someone shows up in the sixth week of an eight week session, when the cake has been baked so to speak, expressing disappointment with a particular law,” he said. “I’m always struck by how I had not heard about these objections for the months leading up to the time we voted on it.”

Porter later added that if anyone has any objections to a law and wishes to oppose it, she would prefer for that person to speak with her ahead of time before showing up at the last minute to fight it.

Bradley agreed with Porter. Before someone stands up at a committee meeting for the first time to air their grievances with a bill, they should discuss it with him, he said.

“I don’t have a problem with someone disagreeing with me. I mean, god bless democracy, but give me the heads up,” Bradley said. “We can have a real discussion knowing what the arguments are so that it’s a meaningful public dialogue.”

The 2017 regular session begins March 7.