Gov. Rick Scott announced his picks for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission Friday morning, rounding out the 37 member group which reviews the state constitution.
The commission meets for a yearlong term, traveling the state and recommending changes to the state constitution. The last time the CRC met to make changes to the constitution was two decades ago, from 1997-1998.
The governor appointed businessman Carlos Beruff to lead the commission earlier this week.
Scott’s 14 new appointees come from a variety of backgrounds. Many already have jobs in state government or have been tapped by Scott to lead state agencies.
The commission includes doctors, physicians, ministers, attorneys, the Sheriff of Marion County and local business owners.
Education officials made a strong showing in the Commission. Both Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart and State Board of Education chair Marva Johnson were both selected to sit on the committee, which proposes changes to the state constitution for voter consideration.
The full list includes:
Dr. Jose “Pepe” Armas, Miami
Lisa Carlton, Sarasota
Timothy Cerio, Tallahassee
Emery Gainey, Tallahassee
Brett Huechen, Tallahassee
Marva Johnson, Winter Garden
Darlene Jordan, Palm Beach
Fred Karlinsky, Weston
Belinda Kaiser, Parkland
Fred Kruppenbacher, Orlando
Dr. Gary Lester, The Villages
Jimmy Patronis, Panama City
Pam Stewart, Tallahassee
Nicole Washington, Miami
Tom Kuntz, Don Eslinger and Judge John Stargel will serve as alternate members on the Commission.
“I am incredibly honored today to appoint 14 members from across Florida to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission,” Scott said in a statement. “These members stood out as exemplary choices for this historic Commission whose diverse backgrounds and experience in education, business and policy will ensure we continue to champion policies that make Florida the best place for families for generations to come.”
