Commission appoints two to North Brevard Hospital District after contested vote
Loading...
Summary
After rank‑ordered ballots and debate over process and representation, the board appointed Melissa Lugo (seat 4) and Billy Fitzgerald (seat 8) to the North Brevard Hospital District in a 4‑1 roll‑call vote; Commissioner Delaney voted no and raised district‑representation concerns.
The county commission on Nov. 18 appointed two new members to the North Brevard Hospital District board following candidate presentations, rank‑ordered balloting and a contested final vote.
The board considered multiple applicants for two seats (seat 4 appointed by the commission; seat 8 appointed by the commission and subject to Titusville confirmation). Candidates who addressed the board included Joseph Ashe (carded), Shelby Love, and Christopher Childs; commissioners reviewed résumés and used a rank‑order ballot to score applicants.
Staff reported the highest overall scores were for Billy Fitzgerald and Melissa Lugo. At the meeting’s close, Commissioner Goodson moved to appoint Melissa Lugo to seat 4 and Billy Fitzgerald to seat 8; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call, 4‑1. Commissioner Delaney cast the lone dissenting vote and urged greater deference to District 1 residents’ preferences and questioned outside lobbying influence on the selection process. Other commissioners said they based their votes on continuity, experience and résumé review.
The appointments fill two four‑year terms beginning Jan. 1. Staff noted seat 8 is subject to Titusville city council confirmation (as provided by the hospital district’s enabling legislation). The board did not take additional action on governance changes at this meeting.
