When Lt. Governor Buddy Mackay asked me to join the Chiles Administration in 1991, I found a number of old and new friends among the Governor’s inside circle of advisers. The primary, round the clock advisers were Mrs. Rhea Chiles, son Bud, Chief of Staff Jim Krog and Mackay. But close and very trusted advisers also were:
Jack Peeples-Miami lawyer and strategic adviser.
Former Senator Eddie Gong-Also a Miami lawyer and former colleague of Chiles and Mackay in the legislature.
Former Senator Wilbur Boyd-Bradenton businessman and former colleague of Chiles and Mackay in the legislature.
Sonny Holtzman-Miami lawyer and lobbyist.
Steve deMontmollin-Gainesville lawyer and confidant of Peeples.
I had the pleasure of working with and knowing all of these advisers, except Boyd, and found them to be among the most knowledgeable and effective at their trade that I had worked with in the Capitol. I cannot help but think how well served a Governor like Rick Scott, who never served in office and has contact with these kind of professionals, would be with their counsel and support within his administration.
