Crist appoints Benson to state post
Benson's departure may leave District 3 unrepresented in the upcoming special legislative session
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com

Benson

When Charlie Crist takes office as Florida's new governor, he'll need to schedule a special election to replace Rep. Holly Benson. Benson was tapped to become Crist's Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulations.

"Holly has a reputation of taking on the toughest tasks while serving with passion and integrity," said Governor-Elect Crist. "She will bring to the administration the same fire and dedication that aided her in the State House."

The Department of Business and Professional Regulations controls the registration, availability and issuance of permits and licenses for business activities in the state. The mission of the agency is to ensure that business, industry and commerce are regulated in such a way that the best quality of service is provided to Floridians and visitors.

"I am thankful to Governor- Elect Crist for this opportunity and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Florida," said Rep. Benson. "I am eager to take on the task of improving the services the state provides to more than one million professionals and businesses across some 200 licensee categories."

Benson's departure date is not set, and Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford said no one can file as a candidate for Benson's house seat until the Governor calls for a special election, which Stafford assumes will happen this week.

Benson originally declared her intent to run for Senator Charlie Clary's seat in the last election, but ran for re-election to her house seat instead. There were many candidates hoping to get Benson's seat when it appeared she was abdicating it, including Gulf Breeze Mayor Pro-Tem Clay Ford, Gulf Breeze resident George Scarborough and other candidates Scott Henderson, Lyn H a r t , D o o l e y Johnson and Elizabeth Campbell.

It is yet to be seen w h e t h e r these candidates will file to run for the office, but Stafford thinks potential candidates will be lined up for the opportunity.

"It's going to be somewhat of a crowded field," Stafford said.

Ford says he intends to run for Benson's vacant seat.

"It's too good of an opportunity for me to miss," Ford said. "I was in the Arkansas state legislature and I think I can be effective over there (Tallahassee)."

Ford said the major issues facing District 3 are escalating property taxes, the need for insurance reform, the relocation of the wastewater treatment plant and securing funding for the area health departments.

"I don't have wind insurance on my house," Ford said. "My house came through the hurricanes all right, with just a few shingles missing, but of course I boarded up the doors and windows. I'll take my chances," he added.

Depending on the timetable for Benson's departure, there may be a gap in representation during the upcoming Legislative Special Session, which begins January 16. Crist takes office Jan. 2, and it seems unlikely that he will appoint an interim representative with the elections coming so soon. District 3 will be without a voice in the special session, and possibly until the second or third week of the regular session, unless Crist appoints someone to the post before the race is decided.

Holly Benson is a municipal bond attorney with Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. She served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2006.

Benson's three terms included tenure as Chairman of the State Administration Committee where she helped implement a constitutional amendment that restructured the state court system. She graduated from Dartmouth College and the University of Florida College of Law.