Gov. Rick Scott appointed today, a new Orange County Commissioner for District 3, after only ten days ago advising Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs that he is in no rush to pick a “permanent” replacement.
Scott named John Martinez, son of former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez to fill the seat left vacant by former Commissioner Mildred Fernandez who was arrested and suspended on corruption charges.
Martinez, 30, is a lawyer by training and has been vice president of Gardnyr Michael Capital Inc. since 2010. In terms of community service, he has served on the Osceola County Education Foundation Board of Directors and Central Florida March of Dimes Board of Directors since 2011.
Jacobs said that, she supported Scott’s choice.
“I support Governor Scott’s choice of John Martinez who has agreed not to seek election during the 2012 cycle,” she said. “This demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to responsible leadership while ensuring a fair and level playing field in this upcoming election,” cfnews 13.com reports.
Since Fernandez’ suspension more than a year-and-a half ago, Commissioner Lui Damiani has served the residents of District 3, having been appointed by then-Gov. Charlie Crist. He represented a large Hispanic district, although he is not one himself and was reported to be very effective in serving his constitutents.
Although he was mindful that his appointment could be for a limited time, Damiani expressed his disappointment today.
“I knew when I agreed to accept the position that it might only be for a short period of time,” Damiami said in a statement. “I am disappointed to announce that, earlier today, I learned that Governor Scott decided to replace me with somebody else to finish out the remaining several months of the term before the election.”
With Scott’s appointment Monday, residents of District 3 would have three commissioners in as many years. So no one should blame them if they are more than a little confused.
Presumably, this didn’t matter much to the GOP Hispanic lobby.
