Sen. J.D. Alexander

Remember this when you see Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Winter Haven, twist arms for CSX: he has a conflict of interest as large as those mile-long trains he wants to send through downtown Lakeland and Plant City.

His land-management company, Atlantic Blue, owns property near the site of the proposed CSX hub in Winter Haven. Atlantic Blue recently purchased Phoenix Industries, a "preferred partner" for helping businesses ship goods with CSX. Atlantic Blue has hired a PR firm to encourage lawmakers to approve the CSX deal.

The grandson of citrus baron Ben Hill Griffin, Alexander last year used his legislative muscle to retaliate against South Florida senators who refused to approve the CSX deal. And though he recently campaigned on a promise to protect taxpayers, he has shown no willingness to protect the public's checkbook on the CSX deal.

Perhaps you recall that Alexander also tried to get taxpayers to build a toll road – the Heartland Expressway – through land his company owns.

It is unseemly for J.D. Alexander to continue to use his office for personal gain.

He should recuse himself from the CSX debate.

Check here often during the legislative session to follow Alexander’s performance on behalf of citizens. We’ll keep you posted.