by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Gov. Rick Scott has appointed former Duval County Tax Collector and mayoral candidate Mike Hogan to the state Public Employees Relations Commission.
Hogan will chair the commission and succeed Stephanie Williams Ray for a term that began Wednesday and ends Jan. 1.
According to its website, the commission consists of three commissioners appointed by the governor, with the chair serving as chief executive and administrative officer.
The commission employs nine hearing officers, each a licensed attorney with more than five years of experience.
They hold hearings throughout the state on labor and employment disputes, then issue a final order that can be appealed to the District Courts of Appeals.
Hogan, a Republican, was endorsed by both Scott and the North Florida Central Labor Council during his mayoral run.
On the campaign trail, he often touted his experience in the private sector with BellSouth dealing with unions as a labor relations manager, citing it as a potential strength in dealing with negotiations between the City and police and fire unions on pension issues.
Hogan served as a state representative from 2000-03 after serving on City Council from 1991-99.
He served as tax collector from 2003-11.
In 2008, he was appointed to serve on a statewide constitutional Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission charged with examining the state budget process, revenue needs and expenditure processes through 2028.
He is joined by Donna Poole of Tallahassee as a new appointee. Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.