Galvano values the role of the judiciary: 'I truly believe in our judicial system ... and the legal profession as a whole'.

Sen. William "Bill" Galvano, an attorney with a legislative workhorse reputation for tackling complex and politically charged issues, is promising to champion the judiciary when--as expected--he becomes Senate president in November.

A guest speaker at the Judicial Luncheon at The Florida Bar's 68th Annual Convention, the Bradenton Republican was greeted with enthusiastic applause from a packed ballroom at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

"Let me start by saying, I truly believe in our judicial system and in the judiciary, and the legal profession as a whole," Galvano said, adding that while he's held many choice political posts, "I can tell you the most meaningful work I've done in my life has been in the courtroom."

Given his central role in a titanic redistricting clash with the Supreme Court, and more recent funding gains by the judiciary, Galvano appeared to signal his desire for a continued easing of tensions between the two branches of government.

"It was very encouraging to hear the next Senate President express so much confidence in the judiciary," said the Bar's immediate past President Michael Higer. "We look forward to working with him."

Three years ago, Galvano was Senate redistricting chair when a legal challenge to the Legislature's proposed maps ended with the Florida Supreme Court setting many of the state's political boundaries.

Some House members filed a flurry of proposals to term-limit justices and appellate judges, measures that were ultimately thwarted by the Senate.

But for the first time in three years, judicial term limits were a no-show on the 2018 legislative agenda. Millions of dollars in previous cuts to the state court system were restored, and the Senate approved funding for a new Second District Court of Appeal courthouse, although it was not included in the final budget.

In his annual State of the Judiciary remarks at the same luncheon, Chief Justice Jorge Labarga declared relations with the other branches of government, "good."

With Labarga and the rest of the Supreme Court seated just a few feet away, Galvano joked about having a Pepto Bismol breakfast the morning he spent two-and-a-half hours on the witness stand in the redistricting case.

But in the end, he said, it was a "good give-and-take" and a "learning experience."

While the system of checks and balances can be frustrating, time consuming, and expensive, it plays a vital and bigger role in the lawmaking process than most of the participants...