One of the responsibilities of a Florida Governorship is to make appointments to a variety of positions throughout the state. We are reminded of the effects of that task when it touches positions close to home. One thing is certain, the Florida Governorship matters in an election.
When Orange County District 3 Commissioner Mildred Fernandez faced legal troubles Gov. Charlie Christ appointed Lui Damiani to serve her term until the case was resolved. The case came to a close in November 2011 which required Gov. Rick Scott to decide who he would appoint to finish the term through November 2012.
He could have kept Lui Damiani, a former Democrat turned Independent appointed by former Gov. Charlie Crist to remain the District 3 Commissioner which would have given Damiani an inroad to re-election in what is now the largest district by population in Orange County. Lui Damiani contributed to the design and approval of the new Orange County map during the redistricting process in 2011.
John M. Martinez is appointed through November 2012 with the understanding that he will not run for commissioner in District 3 to give a more even playing field among the other candidates.
Here are some articles announcing the John M. Martinez appointment which was effective on December 12th, 2012.
Gov. Rick Scott’s Public Announcement
Orlando Business Journal Article
Orlando Sentinel Hispanosphere Article
WFTV Channel 9 Article with short video
Swearing in of John Martinez as Orange County Commissioner District 3
It needs to be noted that Mayor Teresa Jacobs had a strong influence on who was appointed to District 3 for this interim term. Her recommendation had a lot more weight in Gov. Rick Scott’s decision than other Republican leaders too give Independent Lui Damiani a fighting chance in 2012. The battle for District 3 in 2012 will be a hearty 3 party race between Democratic candidates, an Independent (Mayor Jacob’s preference) and the Republican candidates.
