Commissioner John Martinez responds to critics

John Martinez is the newest Orange County commissioner.

The son of former Sen. Mel Martinez is filling the seat left vacant by Mildred Fernandez.

Boos battled cheers at Martinez's swearing in inside the commission's chambers.

Protesters got inside after gathering outside to voice their opinion on Martinez being Gov. Rick Scott's selection.

"We would like everyone in the public to know, that this is not what democracy looks like," a male protester said.

The response from the Puerto Rican community has been harsh.

Martinez is Cuban American, and protesters feel someone else would better serve District 3.

"We want representation for our community, for our children," said a female protester. "We want representation now. We don't want to wait 10 years. We want it now."

"You know there's been a lot of divisions about Cuban, Puerto Rican, Democrat, Republican, but really at the end of the day, there are plenty of folks who met both those criteria who were applying, then this appointment came out of left field," said District 49 Rep. Darren Soto.

An emotional Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Martinez addressed the rift between the Cuban and Puerto Rican community.

"In my opinion, we are part of the same community," Martinez said. "As Hispanics, there is not a great geographic distance between Cuba and Puerto Rico, and I don't think there is a great cultural distance either. I am going to do all I can in my power to reach out to them and hopefully bridge that gap."

"Where regardless of whether you are Hispanic, or African American, Cuban or Puerto Rican, Venezuelan, we all share so many of the same values. I look forward to the day where we can all respect each other as one," Jacobs said.

Martinez has said he will not run for the seat in 2012, which Jacobs said will offer a level playing field for candidates, not giving any incumbent a sizable advantage heading the election.

--- Scott McDonnell, CFNews 13

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