Early Political Career
In 1994, Martínez ran for Lieutenant Governor of Florida. He teamed up with future Family Research Council President Ken Connor, the gubernatorial candidate. The Connor/Martínez ticket was defeated in the Republican primary, finishing fifth with 83,945 votes, or 9.31% of the vote.
On November 3, 1998, Martínez was elected Orange County Chairman (during Martínez’s tenure the position was relabeled mayor). While in office, Martínez implemented what became known as the “Martínez doctrine” which prohibits development from taking place unless adequate public infrastructure, specifically school capacity, is able to support such development. The doctrine was challenged in court, but its legality was upheld when the Florida Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal to a lower court’s ruling. Martínez served as mayor through the end of 2000.
Before becoming Secretary of HUD, Martínez served on the Governor's Growth Management Study Commission. He previously served as President of the Orlando Utilities Commission, on the board of directors of a community bank, and as Chairman of the Orlando Housing Authority.
Serving as co-chairman of George W. Bush's 2000 presidential election campaign in Florida, Martínez was a leading fundraiser. He was one of the 25 electors from Florida, who voted for George W. Bush in the 2000 election. While serving as HUD Secretary, Martínez sat as an ex officio member of the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.
Martínez and his wife Kitty have three children (Lauren Martínez Shea, John Martínez, and Andrew Martínez) and three grandchildren. He is the brother of Rafael E. Martínez. Mel Martínez lives in the Baldwin Park neighborhood of Orlando (the neighborhood is also home to Florida's other senator, Bill Nelson) and in Washington.
Read more about this topic: Mel Martinez
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