Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed Lui Damiani of Orlando to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, District 3. He will fill the vacancy created by the suspension of Mildred Fernandez.
Gov. Crist cited Lui’s past public service and willingness to serve the people of Orange County as qualifications for his appointment to the Board of County Commissioners. “His long-time community service as a civic volunteer complements his professional experience, which will be a benefit to all he serves,” Governor Crist said.
Damiani, 46, has been the vice president and corporate marketing director for Nodarse & Associates since 2006 and president of Damiani Properties since 2001. From 1996 to 2004, he served as assistant to the District 3 commissioner for Orange County Board of County Commissioners. In 2004, he ran for the District 3 seat on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, losing to Mildred Fernandez by a margin of less than two percent.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the citizens of District 3 and look forward to working to build consensus for their best interests,” said Damiani. “I will do my best to put my experience and strategic planning and policy development skills to work to solve the problems of Orange County.”
Crist suspended Fernandez shortly after her arrest in April and on May 18, she was formally charged with 14 counts, including racketeering, bribery, receipt of unlawful compensation for official behavior, grand theft and failure to report campaign contributions.
Fernandez has denied the charges and vowed to fight all accusations, making FDLE meet its burden of proof.
It has been reported that the former commissioner rejected a plea deal.
Lui Damiani of Orlando was the least controversial choice to replaced Mildred Fernandez as Orange County Board of County Commissioners, District 3.
His position as independent thinker, great business man, with impecalbe ethics record eased the public outcry for a social-economic and political balance in one of the most crontroversial election season ever.