HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Billy Corben-StatementSubmitted into the public
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9
on City Clerk
I am here to speak on item BC.9 - the three vacancies on the Code Enforcement Board.
Never before have these appointments been more important. As you know, a lawsuit was recently filed
against the City Attorney and her husband for allegedly using their inside connections to the code
enforcement board as part of a scheme to acquire the homes of vulnerable senior citizens at below
market value. Moreover, the lawsuit and subsequent news reports seem to suggest the City Attorney's
husband may have lied under oath to the board which would appear to create a conflict between the
board and the city regarding whether he perjured himself.
In light of these egregious allegations, potential conflicts of interest, and possible criminal misconduct,
l urge the Commission to fill the vacancies on the Code Enforcement Board as quickly as possible, but
with the following caveats:
1, The appointees support the board obtaining independent legal counsel to address any potential
perjury by the City Attorney's husband and, if warranted, will vote in favor of referring the matter
to the appropriate law enforcement agency;
2. They support seeking guidance from the Florida Attorney General on any implications the alleged
misconduct by the City Attorney and her husband might have regarding possible disparate
treatment suffered by other property owners who've had code enforcement matters adjudicated
by the board; and
3. They support asking the Florida Bar whether the City Attorney and/or her subordinates can
continue to participate in code enforcement proceedings - or even advise this Commission on
code enforcement related matters - while the lawsuit and any potential criminal investigations
remain pending.
Thank you,
Billy Corben
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