As many of you have read in today's PNJ, I was quoted as saying Fred Gunther should be removed from the CMPA Board because I believed he had committed an ethics violation. I did believe that he needed to be removed but. this morning Fred called me and wanted to meet to discuss what had happened at the CMPA meeting on Wed. Just prior to Fred coming by my office to talk, I read a statement Fred had sent to the PNJ.
He states:
"If anyone believes I have violated Florida’s Code of Ethics, they should file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics and allow me to properly defend myself against these allegations. I should have the right to protect my good name and not be tried by the media or by City Council based upon unsubstantiated allegations."
When Fred arrived at my office, I quickly let him know that I was impressed by his statement and that I would not be pushing for him to be removed. Fred believes he did the right thing and wants to defend himself. I have heard from several people that they were planning on filing a complaint with the Commission. If a code of ethics violation is brought before the Florida Commission and a violation did occur, I will then support removal of Fred from the board at that time.
You can see Fred's full statement here:
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