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Robinson appeals ruling on District 2 seat

Despite losing an election and a court case, Nancy Robinson continues to fight for the seat on the County Commission.

By ASJYLYN LODER
Published February 19, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - County Commissioner Rose Rocco won't necessarily stay that way.

Ousted Commissioner Hannah "Nancy" Robinson and political gadfly Janey Baldwin appealed a judge's ruling that gave Rocco the disputed District 2 seat. Robinson contested Rocco's win, saying Rocco wasn't entitled to hold office because she didn't live in the Spring Hill district Election Day.

Baldwin joined Robinson's suit as a "plaintiff intervenor."

"I clearly think that Judge John Booth reached the wrong conclusion," said Joe Mason, Baldwin's attorney. The case is now in the hands of the 5th District Court of Appeal.

Robert Morris Jr., Robinson's attorney, could not be reached Friday, and Robinson did not return calls for comment.

"She can appeal all she wants," said Rocco, seeming disgusted. "The citizens spoke. I won. I think she needs to move on."

Rocco, in her third try for a County Commission seat, defeated Robinson by 1,444 votes. But Robinson sued to keep the seat she held for 14 years. Rocco successfully fought off the challenge, arguing that the law requires her to move into the district only before the election results are made official.

The appeal, if heard, moves the case further toward setting statewide precedent. As it is, elected offices have different requirements. Some officials must live in the district at the time of swearing-in. But county commissioners are required to be residents "at the time of election."

The Rocco vs. Robinson battle centers on when exactly "election" took place.

The appeal could take months, although the appellate court could move it faster, Mason said.

NOV 7, 2006

Rose Rocco beats four-term Commissioner Hannah "Nancy" Robinson by 1,444 votes.

NOV. 14, 2006

After a party thrown in honor of her last County Commission meeting, Robinson sues to keep the seat she held for 14 years.

NOV. 20, 2006

A judicial order temporarily bars Rocco from taking office.

DEC. 21, 2006

Judge John Booth rules in Rocco's favor, and she is sworn in.

JAN. 9, 2007

Rocco attends her first meeting as a county commissioner.

FEB. 16, 2007

Robinson appeals the judge's ruling to the 5th District Court of Appeal.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The clerk of Circuit Court has 50 days to put together a page-numbered record of the case so far. After that, attorneys Robert Morris Jr. and Joe Mason have 20 days to file their appeal argument on behalf of Robinson and Janey Baldwin.

[Last modified February 18, 2007, 21:20:40]