Mayor-elect Lenny Curry will have a general counsel, at least in the short term.
Curry has named Jason Gabriel, the city’s current top attorney, to serve as acting general counsel for up to 90 days. Gabriel’s appointment was set to expire Tuesday.
The appointment is allowed under the city’s charter and doesn’t require City Council confirmation.
In a statement, Curry said Gabriel was well-qualified given his background as being board certified in city, county and local government. The appointment was for “continuity and an orderly operation” of the office, the release said.
“This is a continued honor and privilege, and as I’ve mentioned before, I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility that comes with this role,” Gabriel said in the release.
Curry’s Qualification Review Committee will recommend a permanent general counsel for review and approval. The committee comprises five attorneys and is led by John Delaney, a former general counsel under Mayor Ed Austin. Delaney, also a former mayor, is president of the University of North Florida.
Gabriel was named to the position by Mayor Alvin Brown last May after Cindy Laquidara left to return to the private sector. He’s been with the office since 2010.