Florida Times Union: Manuel's job popular -- 10 now want it

Last modified 12/1/2008 - 10:12 pm
Originally created 120308

Manuel's job grows popular: 10 now want it

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By CHRISTINA ABEL, Shorelines


Even though Gov. Charlie Crist said he has no plans to appoint an interim replacement for suspended St. Johns County Commissioner Tom Manuel, more people are filing applications for the seat.

Ten people have submitted applications to the Governor's Office to fill in for Manuel, of Ponte Vedra Beach, and the county's Republican Party has interviewed three of them.

Becky Reichenberg, the state committeewoman for the Republican Party, said three of the 10 applicants contacted her to set up interviews. She said party officials interviewed the three, but haven't been contacted by any others. She said she contacted the Governor's Office to pass on their opinions about the interviewed candidates. The three who have been interviewed are Cheryl Robitzsch, a civil engineer who lives in the Palencia area; Phillip Mays, a Marsh Landing resident and owner and operator of a recreation facilities company; and Henry Green, president of a gift importing wholesaler who lives in St. Augustine.

"They're all qualified. I enjoyed interviewing them," Reichenberg said. She wouldn't comment on any of the individual candidates.

Manuel was recently indicted on two counts of bribery by a grand jury. He's set to go to trial next month.

Crist has suspended Manuel from office but has no plans to appoint an interim commissioner. That, however, hasn't stopped county residents from applying for the position and requesting interviews with party officials.

Other applicants who live in district 4 include lawyer Anna Shea; David Mariotti, general manager of the Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach; Mark Middlebrook, a former journalist who in recent years has been involved in conservation issues; and Bruce Maguire, whom Manuel replaced on the County Commission in 2006.

Applicants who live in other parts of the county are retiree Terry Flesher of St. Johns; Harlan Westover of Nocatee, a retired fire department battalion chief, and St. Augustine lawyer Richard Lewis.

Christina Abel can also be reached at (904) 249-4947, ext. 6319.