Opinion by Linda Dean Cooper
June 18, 2024, 2:00 p.m. budget meeting: Chair Desiree Mills asked for the position of assistant coordinator to be added to the new budget. She barely got the words out when Coordinator Wilbur Dean jumped up from his seat to say ”There was no need for an assistant, I’m leaving in February.”
Some in the room were surprised by the theatrics but most were not. I believe this was a desperate, last-ditch attempt by Dean and Commissioner John Meeks to pander for votes. Meeks and Dean want to keep their tax and spend administration in play for another four years. Anyone who knows the politics in Levy knows Dean does Meeks’ bidding.
It’s a shame there is no video of Dean’s performance or John Meeks’ expressionless face after hearing such supposedly, stunning, and shocking news of Dean’s departure. No resignation letter was handed to Chair Mills at the time of Dean’s announcement. Hmm.
June 18, 4:52 p.m.: I requested a copy of the letter of resignation and who accepted the resignation.
June 21, BoCC Press Release: County Coordinator Announces His Separation from County Employment. Still, no response to my records request for a copy of his resignation letter and who accepted.
Face Book comments were, “They would not believe it until they see the letter.”
June 24, 8:13 a.m.: A follow-up email to HR asking again for a copy of the letter. The HR director’s email response “a resignation letter has not been received.”
June 24, 11:00 am: A copy of the letter was emailed to me.
The Public Knows Meeks is Playing a Game of Political Chicken
I believe the public knows that Meeks and Dean are playing a game of political chicken hoping the assistant position will not come to pass, Meeks is re-elected, and the resignation withdrawn.
Press Release but No Letter to Support Outburst in Budget Meeting?
Chairwoman Mills should have the letter in hand at the end of business and before sending out a press release. What is wrong with this BoCC if it believes it is acceptable for six days to pass and only after pressure from the public to see the letter before it is submitted to HR?
The public has called Meeks’ and Deans’ bluff by requesting to see the letter and we want them GONE. Dean and Meeks have nothing to show for their tenure and will not be missed. A thirty-day notice is plenty of time for Dean to depart and we as a county move forward.
John Meeks and Matt Brooks Purchase Businesses While Commissioners
Meeks and Brooks purchased businesses while commissioners and profit from the Board they serve. Meeks purchased Bronson Ace Hardware, and Commissioner Matt Brooks purchased Levy Jones office supply. Brooks boasts he wants to bring “leveraged technology” to the Clerk’s office if elected. You have been a commissioner for eight years, where’s our “leveraged technology?”
Brooks has done nothing as a commissioner and does not deserve to be Clerk of Court. John Meeks does not need to be reelected on August 20 to continue to benefit as owner of Ace Hardware with his tax and spend agenda. Meeks and Brooks have both done very well for themselves, feeding from the government trough!
Charlie Kennedy is John Meeks opponent for District Seat 1. Here is a link to Kennedy’s website for those that want more information on Charlie Kennedy: https://kennedyforlevy.com/.
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Posted June 24, 2024
