Read Kevin White’s Complete Statement Calling For Whitehead’s Removal As Commission Chair

June 6, 2008

When the Escambia County Commission meeting began Thursday night, District 5 Commissioner Kevin White had planned to call for the removal of Commissioner Mike Whitehead as the board’s chairman at the end of the meeting. He had a prepared statement in his pocket, but never got the chance to read it because Whitehead resigned as commission chair when the meeting opened.

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The following is the complete text of White’s handwritten prepared statement:

“Recently we replaced the county administrator, not because he broke law but because he lost our trust. Mr. Whitehead has disregarded the public and and their confidence and trust in him.

“No commissioner should accept campaign contributions directly or indirectly from an event sponsored by people who are in an active lawsuit against the county.

“What is troublesome, he will not not even suggest he made a grave legal mistake after our county attorney advised all 5 commissioners not to carry on with parties that are suing us. While recent news stories and phone calls speak to the…events which Mr. Whitehead was inappropriately involved with dating back 10 years it is today’s issue that takes me over the top. It’s not that he made a mistake for a mistake can be forgiven. What bothers me is his attitude and arrogance suggesting that he made no mistake at all.

“To add insult to injury, he arrogantly chastises anyone who thinks he did. This attitude that he is somehow about scrutiny is troublesome to say the least. This conduct is a reflection on the entire board of commissioners and is not acceptable.

“Vital principals and standards have been violated and do not represent the people who elected each of us. At this point Mr. Chairman I honestly can’t distinguish if it is arrogance or ignorance but I know one thing and one thing only. I cannot and will not be painted with your brush of arrogance, bad behavior and indifference.

“To stand by idly and do nothing in my opinion reflects poorly on 4 other commissioners. It is our duty to continue working to restore the public trust in county government. Therefore I move that we replace Comm. Whitehead as chairman.”

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News