Osceola County Commissioner John Quinones | Credit: Meredith Hill - myfloridahouse.gov
Petition papers were filed last week with the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections by local businessman Jorge Coronado. The campaign was launched just days after Quinones announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for the new 9th Congressional District.
But recall organizers quickly withdrew their petition, citing "technical" glitches in the paperwork. On Monday, Coronado told Sunshine State News that he is "no longer involved."
In a news release last week, Coronado vaguely accused Quinones of "violations of the Florida Sunshine law and various conflicts of interest."
“Quinones has violated the public trust on numerous occasions and we feel that it is time to let the voters decide if he should remain in public office,” Coronado stated.
He added,
“Quinones’ actions during his own re-election were loaded with unethical actions and improper activities and his subsequent ‘victory’ has been challenged by many within this community. We can no longer have a cloud of uncertainty taint the actions of our county commissioner."
Coronado declined to provide specifics Monday, saying, "I'm going to stay away from it."
Quinones branded the petitioners' charges "baseless, vague and without merit."
"I am proud that our county government just won an award for transparent government. I look forward to running a positive campaign that focuses on my record of accomplishments," Quinones told Sunshine State News.
Todd Long, one of Quinones' opponents in the GOP primary, is an attorney for Coronado, but said he had no knowledge of the recall bid.
Long said he told Coronado he would drop him as a client if he pursued the recall.
"I can't be attached to this. I have no clue about it," Long said.
A recall organizer, speaking on background, said the paperwork would be re-filed by Tuesday.
"The recall has been discussed for about six months now with a bunch of Osceola county folks. Quinones is a big [Republican in Name Only]," the organizer said.
To qualify for the ballot, the recall campaign must obtain signatures from 10 percent of the registered voters in Quinones' County Commission district Osceola County within 30 days.
Quinones is among several Republican candidates vying for CD 9, a designated "Latino Access" district. Among the GOP hopefuls are Julius Melendez, Mark Oxner and Long.
Former Rep. Alan Grayson, with high name recognition and bundles of cash, has the inside track for the Democratic nomination, though he does not live in the district.
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 801-5341.