Gov. Rick Scott is accepting applications to replace indicted Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, whom he suspended Friday.
Florida Times-Union story: Replacements sought for indicted Jacksonville City Council members
“We will begin the process of appointing qualified replacements who will faithfully serve the Jacksonville community. Anyone who is interested is welcome to apply,” said Mara Gambineri, a Scott spokeswoman, in an email Friday night to the Times-Union.
Scott suspended both council members a day after a 38-count federal indictment accused them of fraudulently obtaining tens of thousands of dollars from a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.
State law gives Scott the authority to suspend public officials accused of such crimes. He also holds the sole power to name a replacement until their positions become permanently vacant.
The replacements would serve the remainder of the council members’ terms, which expire next July.
Scott’s decision to suspend the council members creates vacancies in two of the four council districts representing Northwest Jacksonville, an area struggling with violent crime and systemic infrastructure and economic needs.
The two already lost their committee assignments on Thursday before Scott announced their suspensions, raising concerns about their legislative effectiveness and the impact that could have on their districts.
The council members’ suspension will last until their cases are settled or they are reinstated by Scott. They will not receive any pay during the suspension, according to state law. They will be entitled to back pay if they are found not guilty or cleared of the charges.
Teresa Stepzinski: (904) 359-4075