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Aug. 9. 2001
Six of Bush's judicial commission appointees from Brevard
By Brian Monroe
FLORIDA TODAY
Six of the 66 people Florida Gov. Jeb Bush named Tuesday to help decide who gets appointed to judgeships came from Brevard County. Their fields of expertise ranged from law and insurance to public relations. When the governor makes judicial appointments, he chooses from a list of finalists submitted by a "judicial nominating commission." Florida actually has 26 commissions - one for each of the state's 20 judicial circuits and one for each of the five District Courts of Appeal and one for the state Supreme Court.
One of those DCA picks is Merritt Island native Morgan Laur Reinman, an attorney with more than 15 years of experience.
"I graduated from Merritt Island High School," said Reinman, 40. "It came as a real surprise and I am so delighted. I didn't do any campaigning. Someone from the governor's office had been trying to call me, but I thought it was because I was rejected."
Reinman, who is president of the Brevard Bar Association and also served on the 18th District judicial nominating commission, said this new appointment will afford her even more opportunities to hobnob with other leaders in her profession.
"I have gotten to know a lot of the attorneys from Brevard and Seminole counties," she said. "This will enable me to meet even more Bar leaders from our district. Anytime you are singled out and appointed by the governor is a great honor."
Those picked will go to a seminar next week in Tallahassee. Governor Bush and Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charlie Wells are just some of the heavy hitters instructing the new recruits.
"I just can't wait to meet Jeb Bush," Reinman said. "I know I sound like a little kid, but I am really excited. I have never met him."
Another local appointee from Rockledge is humbled by the opportunity.
"I am very honored to be appointed," said Allstate Insurance agent Lewis C. Webb, 58. "It's completely new for me. I'm not familiar with the judicial system but I know I can make a contribution. My 30 years of business experience will help me make the right decisions."
Other local appointments from Brevard for the 18th judicial circuit, which encompasses Brevard and Seminole counties: David Jackson, 32, of Cocoa, pretrial release supervisor, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners; Tiffany Loris, 30, of Melbourne, attorney, sole practitioner; Fernando Palacios, 68, of Melbourne, attorney, sole practitioner; Dixie Sansom, 52, of Rockledge, director of governmental relations & public affairs, Canaveral Port Authority.
