Gov. Crist appoints Quinn to commission -- Takes over in January as Miner's stand-in

Posted: December 15, 2009 - 12:10am
By The St. Augustine Record

Gov. Charlie Crist's office on Monday appointed Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Ray A. Quinn of St. Augustine as interim St. Johns County commissioner for District 3.

Quinn will serve while Commissioner Mark P. Miner deploys with the Florida Army National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Miner, an infantry sergeant, previously served a tour of duty in Iraq.

He expects orders in January to deploy for a one-year term with the 53rd Infantry Brigade. He had requested that Crist name Quinn as his temporary replacement.

Quinn is an active member of the community and serves as chairman of the St. Johns County Veterans Council. He has worked with county staff during the past few months and attended all County Commission meetings in an effort to make as smooth a transition as possible.

Miner said he is "very saddened" to leave his responsibilities as county commissioner, but added that he's also committed to serving and protecting the nation through his military service.

"My heart will remain here with the people of St. Johns County, but I have an equal responsibility to fight and defend the freedom on which America is built," Miner said. "I am grateful to Governor Crist for appointing Sgt. Major Quinn to serve in my absence. I have complete trust and confidence in his ability to make decisions that will be in the (county's) best interest."

Quinn, 63, retired from Florida National Guard in 1995 with 30 years of service, 22 years on active duty.

From 1995 until 2008 he served as director of executive Services and Chief of Protocol for the Florida Department of Military Affairs and Florida National Guard. He's past president of the Kiwanis Club of Historic St. Augustine and a charter member and vice president of the First Militia Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. He was recently appointed to the Advisory Board of Directors for the Association of the United States Army and also serves as a member of the Jacksonville National Cemetery Advisory Committee.

Quinn said, "My gratitude is extended to Commissioner Miner and Governor Crist for their trust. It is my honor to step up to the challenge and serve the citizens of St. Johns County. I truly appreciate the support of my family in accepting this responsibility."

Miner's leave of absence will be effective January 2, 2010, when Quinn's term as commissioner begins. Miner will not be paid or receive benefits during his leave of absence.

He was elected in August 2008 at the age of 25, the youngest commissioner ever elected in St. Johns County.

A brief ceremony will take place at the beginning of the Dec. 15, 2009, County Commission meeting to honor Commissioner Miner prior to his deployment. Quinn will be sworn in as a commissioner at the Jan. 19 County Commission meeting.