Laquidara resigning as General Counsel

Cindy Laquidara

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville General Counsel Cindy Laquidara announced her resignation Wednesday, effective July 1.

She said she's been given an opportunity with Akerman Senterfitt law firm.

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A news conference was held at City Hall to make the announcement. Laquidara stayed in her position after Mayor Alvin Brown asked her to when he took office in 2011.

"Over the last four years, Cindy Laquidara has ably served as Jacksonville's General Counsel," Brown said. "As citizens and city leaders, we have benefitted from her three decades of legal experience, including more than 15 years with the Office of General Counsel."

As General Counsel, Laquidara has represented the Mayor's Office, City Council, Duval County School Board, constitutional officers and independent authorities.

Last summer, several City Council members requested Laquidara to resign, saying she caters to the mayor's office more than she does to the council.

Councilman Matt Schellenberg had released a draft resolution saying Laquidara had given "patently bad advice" to the council and should be replaced.

He referred to a letter sent to the Jaguars saying the team defaulted on its lease, which was in error, and Laquidara's input on the the city pension controversy.

Brown will fill the vacancy with an acting general counsel, who will be subject to council confirmation and will serve until July 1, 2015.