Sunday, December 20, 2015

Governor Scott's fishy Clerk appointment

I think Governor RICHARD LYNN SCOTT appointed 29 year old son of conservative preacher as a favor to Sheriff DAVID BERNERD SHOAR and other dangerous pro-developer hick hacks in St. Johns County.


Barbara Peterson: Something's fishiy in the Clerk of Courts office
Posted: December 19, 2015 - 8:07pm | Updated: December 20, 2015 - 12:08am


By BARBARA PETERSON
St. Augustine
When something is just not right and makes no sense, then you can’t help but wonder ...

I attended the retirement party for former Clerk of Courts Cheryl Strickland. When the chief judge made the announcement that he had appointed George Lareau to serve as the interim Clerk of Courts no one was surprised.

It made perfect sense.

Years of experience as chief deputy clerk had more than prepared Lareau for the position.

What was not mentioned was that Gov. Rick Scott had weeks to make a decision.

He had interviewed all parties and had not acted on his responsibility of naming a replacement for Strickland.

For whatever reason he deferred. The chief judge had to act because Gov. Scott had not named a replacement in time to meet the date and time of Strickland’s retirement.

I do not have any personal issue with Hunter Conrad. From what I have heard he is a find young man.

However, he has zero experience in the Clerk of Courts office, so what prompted Gov. Scott to make the change after the fact?

It is ludicrous to think there was any valid reason to remove Lareau and appoint Conrad.

Gov. Scott’s actions are very disappointing. There has to be a reason: Conrad is clearly less qualified than Lareau.

His statement that his appointment probably came as a surprise to the people in the courthouse is more than an understatement. It is also insulting and condescending.

By the way, I have no vested connection to Lareau. I just know how on-the-job experience for 19 vs. 0 years should have been a no-brainer — then let the folks run for office.

I think Gov. Scott owes Lareau an apology.

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