When the state Commission on Ethics met the other day, there was a very familiar sight: an empty chair, thanks to Gov. Rick Scott.
A full year after panel member Stanley Weston resigned his seat, Scott still hasn't appointed a replacement, an act of omission that gives Republicans an advantage on the nine-member panel that enforces state ethics laws. A year has gone by, and Scott can't find a single qualified Democrat.
"It's important to remain current with appointments because it is of value to our citizens, as well as to those who come before the commission," said Michelle Anchors, a Democratic appointee on the ethics panel.
The ethics commission scrupulously avoids partisan politics. But state law dictates that the panel must be carefully balanced between Democrats and Republicans to avoid the appearance of partisanship.
Scott appoints five of the nine members, and no more than three can be of the same party. The Senate president and House speaker each make two appointments — one from each party.
Weston was a Democratic appointee. His replacement must be a Democrat.
Anchors, a Fort Walton Beach lawyer, also should have been replaced long ago. A 2013 Senate appointee, she's now in her fifth year in office. Ethics commission members are limited to two two-year terms, but they often remain in office until their successors are appointed.
Another Democratic appointee, Michael Cox, also resigned recently, and as a result, Republicans have a 5-2 advantage that the law never intended.
Cox, a former Pasco County commissioner, was appointed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who recently chose Republican Joshua Hawkes, a lawyer and son of former appellate judge Paul Hawkes. Cox's seat also remains vacant.
Another Scott appointee, Republican Matt Carlucci of Jacksonville, left the commission last year when his second term expired. Scott waited six months before replacing Carlucci with Ashley Coone of Arcadia.
The ethics commission serves as a watchdog over official misconduct. Filling seats on hundreds of boards and commissions is one of the nuts-and-bolts functions of the governor, and Scott's office makes appointments to boards on a regular basis.
Scott's office said that applications for Weston's vacancy are still welcome and that appointing qualified people to boards is "a top priority. Our office continues to accept applications and review applicants for the open seat on the Commission on Ethics."
Spokesman McKinley Lewis said the governor's office is looking forward to making an appointment soon.