(Image source from: Naples Daily News)
Voters will decide later this year who should succeed Dwight Brock, Collier County's longtime clerk of courts who died Tuesday, but for now a Naples lawyer will head the office.
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Michael T. McHugh appointed Laird A. Lile to be the temporary clerk for the county, effective immediately, the circuit stated in a news release Friday.
“Laird’s diverse and impressive background makes him uniquely qualified to successfully handle this position until the governor appoints a successor or the voters of Collier County elect a new clerk of the court," McHugh said, according to the release
Lile focuses on wills, trusts and estates in his private practice on Riviera Drive.
Local election officials said this week that the clerk of courts position would be placed on the ballot. Anyone interested in running for the job will have until noon June 22 to qualify.
If there are multiple candidates from one party, they would have to compete in the Aug. 28 primary. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 6.
Gov. Rick Scott can appoint an interim clerk who would serve until Nov. 13, a week after the general election.
"The position is open and anyone is welcome to apply," said Ashley Cook, Scott's press secretary.
Interested candidates can apply online at the governor's website, she said. There is no timeline yet for a selection.
Lile, 58, was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1984 and is a member in good standing. He recently was elected to a seventh consecutive term on the board of governors for the Bar and serves on the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Management Council and Florida Courts Technology Commission.
“The clerk of courts provides important services to Collier County through the tireless efforts of many dedicated professionals,” Lile said, according to the release.
“During this time of transition, it is my honor to serve alongside these public servants as the clerk ad interim.”
By Lokesh
