Councilmember denies recall allegations
To the residents of Fort Myers Beach,
The allegations made in the recall petitions are false.
A couple of these allegations were fully discussed at 2023 Council meetings, when Mr. Veach was a Council Member, in the presence of the Town Attorney, and went nowhere.
As two of these allegations are violations of Florida Statutes, They should have been reported to the Florida Commission on Ethics. I believe that’s what ethical people would do. The then Town Attorney had a duty to report any alleged violations. That didn’t happen then and isn’t happening now because I’d be cleared by the Ethics Commission and that removes these allegations as recall issues.
This is all about the Seagate vote and the recall committee doesn’t even try to hide behind their petition lies anymore. At the final Seagate Public Hearing, I asked the Town Attorney and one of the Town’s Planners if the project violated the Town Comprehensive Plan or Land Development Code. Both advised the Town Council it did not.
Incidentally, a Florida District Court, nearly 40 years ago, halted a municipal recall effort when they ruled that legitimate and authorized actions, no matter how unpopular, cannot be sufficient grounds for recall.
I doubt that the recall committee has shared that the $25,000 cost of a recall election will be born by the taxpayers. In addition, the Town my have to pay for my legal defense.
Many on this recall committee have served in Fort Myers Beach Town government. Ask yourself, if they’re willing to lie about me now, what have they lied to you about in the past and what are they willing to lie to you about in the future?
Lastly, Thank You to everyone who has called, emailed, exted and shared in person what a sham and a shame this all is. Your sentiments are deeply and sincerely appreciated.
John R. King
Fort Myers Beach Councilmember