Regarding the upcoming process to appoint a city council member to replace resigned former member Larry Patrick, we feel the need to address not only our support for Debi Riley, but also to make clear the travesty of elected city government that was put on display at the last City Council meeting on 9/12/2023.
We, quite literally had Mr. Lee from Lee Automotive call out, at the last meeting, one by one, by name, each city council member, that he put them to be on city council, and declared , as a forgone conclusion, that they will vote in his hand picked choice John Mead, and proceeded to berate them…publicly… for not doing what HE put them in office to do.
Despite a standing room and record attendance, vastly overwhelming in support of Debi Riley, the next highest choice by actual voters, one man is dictating the agenda of FWB City Council.
We are quite literally seeing, publicly (and is now public record) a single individual proclaiming and demanding his agenda be carried out. As some sort of quid pro quo for him supporting the election of certain city council people. The votes of every other voter in FWB, is being declared, with utter contempt, worthless.
Mr Lee is demanding that they appoint his hand picked candidate, John Mead, an individual who didn't even bother to run or engage with the voters of FWB in the March election, be appointed to City Council. Much like Mr. Mead's last time of the City Council... by appointment. Whatever reasoning he might profess, it should be quite clear to all, that the voters will is not part of Mr. Lee's agenda.
Compared to Debi Riley who has an outstanding and long standing history of working for ALL voters of Fort Walton Beach. From working successfully to create opportunity zones, through multiple Governors, to a personal career path caring for our health and community, Debi should be the clear choice. And she received more actual votes then anyone else be nominated for the open position. Twice. She has actually engaged with the voters, going door to door to speak with them and listen to their concerns and issues.
Without even considering the complete lack of representation of a community, completely ignored by decades of “at large” city council votes vs. a community based system supported by the VRA and SCOTUS precedents, what is currently happening in Fort Walton Beach is reprehensible to anyone who believes in democracy at the local level. Indeed, all levels.
Mr Lee’s comments, actions and utter contempt for a representative government at the most basic level (our local city government) demands a vote for Debi Riley!
Davey Jones
Chair, Okaloosa DEC
A recording of the meeting can be found here. Mr. Lee's remarks start at the 21 minute mark.
The NWFL Daily News reports on the meeting here. (Requires a subscription)
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