Crist orders Fitzgerald reinstated

By DANA TREEN
The Times-Union

Gov. Charlie Crist today reinstated Christy Fitzgerald to the Clay County Commission following her acquittal on final misdemeanor charges earlier this month.

Fitzgerald was removed from office after being indicted for misconduct and petty theft charges in March 2006.

The one-page executive order signed Monday is effective immediately. Her term expires at the end of this year.

Fitzgerald was acquitted of misdemeanor charges April 14.

“We’re happy with the decision,” said her attorney, Geddes Anderson. He said he has not talked to the former commissioner about what steps to take next, including whether she wants to return to the seat, or seek back pay and attorney fees in two trials on misdemeanor charges.

Anderson is seeking to be paid by the county in defending the initial felony case that also ended in a not guilty verdict.

Before the order was released this morning, Clay County Commission Chairman said though Fitzgerald’s supporters may want her reinstated, he believed a “vast majority” of other voters would oppose her returning to the job.

Fitzgerald was removed from office following her indictment that stemmed from an illegal dumping investigation. She was charged with official misconduct and using county employees for work at her home.

At the time then-Gov. Jeb Bush called her conduct “unbecoming of a county commissioner.”