THOMAS G. MANUEL MAY RESIGN OR BE REPLACED BY GOVERNOR CHARLES CRIST DUE TO HIS INDICTMENT ON FEDERAL BRIBERY CHARGES

Manuel weighs quitting



By CHAD SMITH
chad.smith@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 10/17/08


Following the indictment of St. Johns County Commission Chairman Thomas Manuel on Thursday, it is now up to the governor or Manuel himself to determine whether he remains on the board.

County Administrator Michael Wanchick said Manuel called him Thursday afternoon and said he would likely take a leave of absence from his post or resign.

"I think he will be taking a leave of absence on his own accord," Wanchick said.

"I think Tom understands the significance of his position," he said. "He's formulating his plans to step aside if he's not formally removed by the governor's office."

Manuel was charged with two counts of bribery after, the indictment alleged, he "knowingly and corruptly" accepted money on two occasions -- $10,000 in April and $50,000 in June -- under a federal program.

If convicted, he would be immediately removed from the board as per a state statute, county Supervisor of Elections Penny Halyburton said.

But until that happens, if it does, Gov. Charlie Crist has the option of suspending Manuel until a verdict is reached and appointing a replacement commissioner, a power governors have exercised in the past, Halyburton said.

Wanchick said it wasn't clear how long it would take Crist to review the case or what the process was to name a replacement in the event of a conviction, a suspension or a resignation.

Manuel will preside over the board until any of the three occur, he said. At that point Vice Chairwoman Cyndi Stevenson would take the helm.

"Technically, until he would be suspended, if that in fact occurs, Tom is a legally elected, duly elected county commissioner," he said.

"I think the questions that are on everybody's mind is whether Tom will or will not be removed by the governor," Wanchick said. "And that again is all beyond the county jurisdiction. It's all handled at the state level."

County spokeswoman Karen Pan said it wasn't clear whether Manuel would preside over the board's next meeting, scheduled for Oct. 28.

"It's a difficult time for the county administration, and staff are committed to functioning normally and providing the services that our constituents expect."

Telephone messages left Thursday night for Manuel and the governor's press office were not returned by press time.


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