Robert John Anderson

Gov. Rick Scott suspended Commissioner Robert Anderson on July 26 from his seat on the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District’s board.

According to the executive order from the Office of the Governor, “It is in the best interests of the constituents of the Lehigh Acre Fire Control and Rescue District and the citizens of the State of Florida, that Robert John Anderson be immediately suspended from the public office, which he now holds, upon the grounds set forth in this executive order.”

The order also states that “Robert John Anderson is prohibited from performing any official act, duty, or function of public office; from receiving any pay or allowance; and from being entitled to any of the emoluments or privileges of public office during the period of this suspension, which period shall be from today, until further Executive Order is issued, or as otherwise provided by law.”

On July 28, officials confirmed that Scott is not charged with filling the seat.

“The governor would not appoint a replacement,” Kerri Wyland, spokeswoman for the Office of the Governor, said.

She pointed to Florida law regarding “independent special fire control districts.”

“If a vacancy occurs on the board due to the resignation, death, or removal of a board member or the failure of anyone to qualify for a board seat, the remaining members may appoint a qualified person to fill the seat until the next general election, at which time an election shall be held to fill the vacancy for the remaining term, if any,” the law states.

Anderson did not return phone calls or emails for comment on his suspension.

Meanwhile, one fire board member had called for his resignation at the July 25 regular meeting.

For the original meeting story, visit: www.lehighacrescitizen.com/page/content.detail/id/540781/UPDATED–Gov–Scott-suspends-fire-commissioner.html?nav=5100.