Commissioner Kerry Smith is once again trying to remove a volunteer appointee from a county advisory board. However, Smith so far has failed to pursuade another commissioner to second to his motion. But he voiced intent to try again Thursday.
In 2023 Smith attracted much criticism over his removal of Pasco Gibson, who was serving as chairman of the County’s Marine Advisory Committee (READ MORE: https://ssrnews.com/boat-captain-says-commissioner-smith-was-dishonest-when-removing-him-from-advisory-role/
Now Smith is trying to remove Gene Sullivan, a resident of Holley who was appointed to the volunteer zoning board member by District 4 Commissioner Ray Eddington.
Smith’s effort to remove the District 4 appointee was not on today’s agenda. He brought it up during discussion.
“I’ve got a problem,” Smith said, claiming that after the May 22 rezoning board meeting Sullivan and another man exchanged words in the lobby with supporters of a variance the board had just approved, allowing a 90-unit townhouse project on Hwy. 87 S in Holley.
Commissioners ignored the zoning board’s recommendation against the development.
Sullivan lives adjacent to the site.
“I’m not going to remove (Sullivan),” Eddington said, noting Smith was acting on “hearsay” since there was only video and no audio of the alleged encounter. “I don’t ask to take off any of your guys. What they do out there we can’t control it. We don’t even do what the Zoning Board wants to do, and now you want to throw my guy off the board.”
Eddington says he will not remove Sullivan.
To reach commissioners, call 850-983-1877 or email:
- district1@santarosa.fl.gov
- district2@santarosa.fl.gov
- district3@santarosa.fl.gov
- district4@santarosa.fl.gov
- district5@santarosa.fl.gov
