Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the news and newsmakers of the day who – in my cynical opinion – either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way this week here on Florida’s fabled “Fun Coast.”

First Step Shelter Board

In an excellent follow-up this week by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, we learned that the investigation into ugly allegations of fiduciary maleficence, fraudulent activities, discriminatory bias, ongoing harassment, retaliation, breaches of confidentiality, unethical behavior, fostering a toxic work environment, etc., etc., at the First Step Shelter in Daytona Beach is coming to conclusion. 

Incredulously, we also learned that the First Step Board of Directors is now considering getting taxpayer’s pesky noses out of their “business” by turning the operations and oversight private “…so that it no longer holds its meetings in public and is no longer obligated to share its current records with the public.”

Yeah.  You read that right…

With the enigmatic First Step program rocked by scandal – and many (including the News-Journal) questioning if Daytona Beach and Volusia County taxpayers should continue to throw a collective $800,000 in public funds toward the “shelter’s” $1.5 million annual budget – the board, under the direction of Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, is seriously considering trying to exempt the program from Florida’s Sunshine Law. 

According to the report, “Abiding by Florida’s Sunshine laws that require board members to only talk to one another about shelter matters during public meetings, and to allow the public to be at those meetings, “makes it hard to do our work,” said Mayor Derrick Henry, who serves as president of the First Step Shelter Board.”

I’ll bet it does… 

“My agenda is not to hide from anyone, but to be a more effective board,” Henry said. “I think we could raise more money if we could talk to each other.”

Really?   

Because it sure sounds like Mayor Henry and the board would prefer to conduct their affairs behind closed doors…you know, to be more “effective.”

My ass.

Mayor Henry also explained that he wants the “shelter” to stop conducting business like a “public entity” (even though the program exists solely because of the taxpayer’s largesse?) and have it operated “much differently” – which, I assume, means in effective darkness away from any reasonable public scrutiny…

According to the report, “My bigger concern has always been how do we make this stand on its own?” Henry said.”  

I’m not an expert on the administration of public or privately held not-for-profits – but so long as First Step is effectively reliant on tax dollars – it must operate in accordance with Florida’s open meetings law. 

In my view, First Step has suffered transparency issues since it began to rise from city owned pine scrub in December 2017.

I don’t know about you, but I well remember the day 150 local dignitaries gathered in their finery on the sandy site off US-92 for a premature groundbreaking ceremony/photo opportunity ahead of a facility that we were initially told would cost between $2 million and $3 million – then inexplicably ballooned to a whopping $6 million as costs mysteriously “evolved.” 

That shocking development morphed into an equally shadowy (and incredibly lucrative) no-bid “dirt deal” that allowed P$S Paving, the contractor who performed the site work for First Step, to harvest publicly owned fill dirt off publicly owned property adjacent to the First Step site during the most prolific development boom in our region’s history, in exchange for defraying some $2.13 million in site development costs.

In a disturbing December 2018 News-Journal article also by Zaffiro-Kean we learned, “Bids were never solicited. The agreement with P&S Paving was hammered out behind closed doors, city records show.”

Interestingly, the “deal” was extended another 21-months (without a price increase?) by the Daytona Beach City Commission in 2022…

Now this? 

I agree with Mayor Henry on one point: It is high time Volusia County taxpayers were off the hook for whatever First Step Shelter is (because it most definitely is not a come as you are shelter) – as the board finds a way to bring its operations and expenses to a point where the program can stand on its own. 

Most agree that the problem across our region is simply too great to devote a combined $4 million in scarce public resources to a single entity every five-years, while a very visible segment of the homeless population who are ineligible or incapable of transitioning to permanent housing remains without services and outreach. 

With the recent court ruling finding Daytona Beach’s effective panhandling ordinance unconstitutional, the Halifax area will soon be aswarm with transient beggars as more homeless (and professional panhandlers) make their return. 

In my view, rather than squander public funds and private donations scheming how best to hide First Step’s already murky administration from suspicious taxpayers and benefactors – perhaps now is the time to protect the public trust, restore the confidence of donors, and determine how best serve the needs of those less fortunate in Volusia County.

That will require strong leadership.  Not secrecy. 

Deltona Vice-Mayor Jody Lee Storozuk

“The government you elect, is the government you deserve.”

–Thomas Jefferson

The sad fact is, most people have become desensitized to the abhorrent behavior of Deltona elected officials – detestable conduct that consistently plumbs the depths of that fetid slit trench that passes for “politics” in Volusia County. 

Over time, repetition and familiarity have reduced the shock value, and what was once unthinkable has become expected, even accepted.  In fact, infighting, sabotage, and repugnant acts by and between senior officials have become Deltona’s unfortunate civic identity.    

Yet, just when you thought you’d seen it all, a Deltona official will succumb to their base instincts and sink to a level so crude it stuns even veteran watchers.  This week, I received a flurry of messages from Deltona residents stunned by a vile attack on a senior citizen by a sitting elected official. 

“Shocking” doesn’t quite do it justice…

With a confirmed reputation for loutish behavior, the oafish Vice-Mayor Jody Lee Storozuk has finally reached the nadir (I hope) of vulgarity toward longsuffering Deltona residents when he suggested in an open Facebook post to a 70-year-old female constituent, “how about yo just suck a dick….. lmfao”

Read it again.  This is what passes for political discourse in the Lost City of Deltona…

I don’t know what prompted this contemptible suggestion.  Frankly, it doesn’t matter. 

Despicable.

In the harsh aftermath, “Jody Lee” (as the Vice-Mayor prefers to be known) took to social media to issue an apology and accept responsibility by claiming someone else used his Facebook page to make the “totally inappropriate” (and now deleted) post.

In all honesty, I’m not sure what to make of this. 

Are you?   

As a veteran observer of Volusia County politics, I’ve witnessed some underhanded attacks, low blows, and dirty tricks – that comes with the territory – but this is beyond disturbing.       

Are we to believe Vice-Mayor “Jody Lee” has an evil twin?   

A brutish alter ego that lycanthropically transmogrifies into a monstrous social media thug? 

A Hyde-like brute who bullies elderly constituents, firing off salacious suggestions to septuagenarians from behind a keyboard whenever his feathers get ruffled during a political campaign? 

Or are we to believe that Vice-Mayor Storozuk allows others to publish demeaning and profane missives under his name and likeness so he can feign dubious deniability when his constituents rightfully take offense? 

Only in Deltona would one consider either of these bizarre possibilities, but under the circumstances, they are legitimate questions… 

Unfortunately, last year, “Jody Lee’s” opponent for the District 6 seat, Dominic “Nick” Lulli, fell victim to similar treatment at the hands of former Deltona City Commissioner Tom Burbank, who launched a hate filled and homophobic social media attack on Mr. Lulli – a private citizen – who later filed a successful lawsuit against the City of Deltona. 

So, what did he do to provoke the ire of former Commissioner Burbank? 

Lulli had the temerity to announce he was exploring a run for the District 6 seat. 

Recognizing this repugnant behavior for what it was, the Deltona City Commission later officially censured Burbank during a public meeting.

So, how will the Deltona City Commission respond to Vice-Mayor Storozuk’s sexually charged cyber-abuse of a senior citizen? 

If left unaddressed, this treatment will have a chilling effect on any Deltona citizen considering participating in their municipal government…   

Although Mr. Burbank later did the right thing and resigned his seat, I don’t expect the same from the likes of Vice-Mayor Storozuk.  In my view, doing the right thing is clearly not in his character… 

Look, I realize this is the cesspool of Deltona politics we’re talking about – but this boorish and offensive behavior should not become the accepted norm for sitting elected officials – and Jody Lee Storozuk should resign immediately.   

Palm Coast Vice-Mayor Ed Danko

Speaking of skeevy… 

As things begin to heat up on the campaign scene – an interesting time that always brings out the best and worst in those with the weird compulsion to hold themselves out for high office – it appears a good old-fashioned Flagler County bruhaha has erupted between Palm Coast Vice-Mayor Ed Danko and Sheriff Rick Staly.

In a recent political advertisement touting his run for the Flagler County Commission, Danko attempted to cloak himself with the imprimatur of Sheriff Staly’s popularity by employing a crafty script and images that suggested Staly has endorsed Danko’s candidacy. 

In the video, narrated by retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Oliver North and posted to Danko’s YouTube channel, it was insinuated that Danko supports Staly and, by inference, that Staly supports Danko.       

That’s news to Sheriff Staly… 

According to an informative article in FlaglerLive!, “Sheriff Staly Rejects as ‘Misleading’ Ed Danko Campaign Claim of Endorsement in Latest Ollie North Video,” we learned that a 60-second ad paid for by the Danko campaign suggests Danko “has endorsed my friend Sheriff Staly and his efforts in reducing crime,” a line that Staly described as “misleading.”

(Watch it for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywupIQqtdZM )

“Ed Danko did not endorse me. Publicly he supports this office but there was no formal endorsement done nor did I ever ask for an endorsement,” Staly said. “Every endorsement I received running for reelection, my campaign put out a press release and you will never find a press release indicating that Ed Danko endorsed me, because that just didn’t happen. I have a lot of people that want me to endorse them, because I am a very popular elected official and well know, and that is exactly why I’m staying out of local politics with the exception of state level and national level elections.”    

In my view, Sheriff Staly’s commitment to remaining above the fray in local races – especially for those offices he must work with on budget and policy decisions – is a sound practice.   

Personally, I think political endorsements by local politicians is presumptuous at best – but in an environment where too few voters think for themselves – receiving the seal of approval from popular political leaders, celebrities, and influential organizations can change the minds of undecided/uninformed voters and help build credibility during heated campaigns.

As elected officials, both Staly and Danko are exempt from a Florida law that rightfully limits electioneering by appointed public employees in their respective political jurisdiction, a practice that erodes the impartiality required of civil servants. 

However, Mr. Danko is not exempt from the Florida statute that makes it “…unlawful for any candidate or person on behalf of a candidate to represent that any person or organization supports such candidate, unless the person or organization so represented has given specific approval in writing to the candidate to make such representation.” 

Look, I understand why Sheriff Staly wants to keep Ed Danko at arm’s length. 

As the residents of Palm Coast well know – Danko brings a kooky brand of political drama, roil, and instability to the dais – a weird kabuki he now wants to bring to the larger stage of the Flagler County Commission. 

According to FlaglerLive!, in reiterating his stance on endorsements last week, Staly said:

“The only one I have endorsed is Tom Leek for a state position. I have not endorsed any local candidate and I have no intentions of endorsing any local candidate because I have to work with them as sheriff,” Staly said, “and I am having this video reviewed by my general counsel. Once that review is done we will address any violations or implied endorsements appropriately.”

Subsequently, Flagler County Sheriff’s general counsel John LeMaster issued a cease and desist to Danko, which stated:

“While you indicate you did not write the script for the advertisement, you and/or your campaign have promoted it, providing a false narrative and misleading the voters of Flagler County. We demand both you and your campaign immediately cease and desist all uses and references to Sheriff Staly, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and/or the likeness of either in all mediums including, but not limited to, social media, mailers and commercials.

You will not receive another warning letter. Failure to comply will cause this office to take any and all legal action necessary to gain compliance.”

I applaud Sheriff Rick Staly for standing by his ethical standards, ensuring compliance with electoral regulations, and for maintaining the integrity of our democratic process.  By his actions, the citizens of Flagler County can have confidence in their Sheriff – and the system.   

Quote of the Week

“City Commissioner Stacy Cantu said it’s “the worst deal I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“This is actually an insult to the commission and our residents,” Cantu said. “This is laughable. Do they really think we’re that stupid to approve this?”

–Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu, as quoted by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “’The worst deal I’ve ever seen in my life’: Daytona considers Beach St. building purchase,” Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Kudos to Commissioner Stacy Cantu for demanding city officials pump the brakes on an odd proposal that would grossly overpay for a dilapidated office building on Beach Street. 

In my view, that’s good governance.

According to the News-Journal, “At their July 3 meeting, city commissioners were asked to vote on a contract to purchase a 63-year-old Beach Street building, as is, for $4.4 million.”

“The asking price was $1 million above an appraisal the city had done a year ago, and the four-story building just north of the post office would also need another $3 million or so of renovation and repair work. That would escalate the city’s total expenditure to at least $7.4 million for the mostly empty structure that also might need building code updates, mold and asbestos removal, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and a new roof.”

Oh, I forgot.  The terms of the sale would also allow the current owner of the property to keep his general contracting company offices in the building for $100 per month while providing “consulting” services for the renovation project. 

Say what? 

Look, I’m not a real estate speculator (all my money is tied up in what chartered accountants call “liabilities”) but that sounds like a great deal for someone – just not the taxpayers of Daytona Beach…   

According to reports, the City of Daytona Beach is under pressure to spend at least $11.4 million in accumulated permits and licensing funds by October 4 or risk forfeiting it to the state.  The building would be used to house city permitting operations.    

As often happens when government is required to spend an exorbitant amount of money in a brief period – caution and due diligence take a backseat to rushed and ill-informed decision making – that rarely works to the taxpayer’s advantage.    

In my view, perhaps the Daytona Beach City Commission should consider hiring the owner of the Beach Street building to negotiate any future real estate “deals” on their behalf – and leave senior city staff on the bench… 

And Another Thing!

Admittedly, I’m a curmudgeonly asshole with a jaded view of the body politic. 

But this election cycle a few local races seem more like a dilemma to me.  A weird Morton’s fork, where regardless of choice, any outcome results in equally unfavorable consequences…

Namely, more of the same… 

I might not be the smartest guy you know, but I’m perceptive as hell, and I hear you out there, stomping your feet, spewing your beverage of choice, screaming wildly “Wait just a damn minute Barker!  (Insert your favorite candidate here) is different!  He/she is going to make a difference and turn things around!”   

No, they aren’t. 

Oh, they say all the right things – and, in many cases, the neophyte candidate sincerely believes he/she has the answers – that our lives and livelihoods will be better under their unique brand of “leadership and vision,” if only We, The Little People will give them a chance.

Then during the campaign someone teaches them to speak in soundbites – carefully crafted to give the appearance they have a grasp of the issues – just shy of specifics, implication without substance, any salient point obscured by smoke and mirrors.

For instance, I recently read an interesting piece in the West Volusia Beacon introducing the candidates and incumbent vying for Volusia County Chair.  My recurring fears were realized with their non-answers to the logical question, why should people vote for you and not your opponent(s)?

For instance, Deb Denys, a retread politician who mysteriously threw her hat in the ring after losing to incumbent Jeff Brower by 40,000 votes in 2020, responded: “Proven leadership. Ability to collaborate and achieve successful outcomes by meeting and working with partners and concerned citizens. Protecting and preserving our natural resources continues to be in the forefront of my active engagement.”      

What does that mean?  Who speaks like that?

In turn, Chairman Brower responded with: “I have kept my word to the public and will not sell them out. My highest goal is to protect their constitutional rights and quality of life. This vote represents a clear choice between developer-financed candidates and me, your voice to protect your quality of life and everything that makes Volusia County a great place to live, work and play.”

That may be true, but many are asking: How can any of that happen on a dais filled with obstinate impediments – sedentary lumps committed to preserving the status quo – political chattel who have devoted themselves to suppressing Brower’s every initiative?

Since his tumultuous term began, Chairman Brower has been repeatedly gaslighted by his “colleagues” – his every suggestion and vote marginalized – Volusia’s stagnant “Old Guard” consistently painting him as an irresponsible and ineffective dirt-worshiping buffoon – even as they block and procrastinate on the development and environmental issues that most residents consider important.

To the increasing number of citizens dealing with the flooding, gridlock, and claustrophobia from the explosive development that has spread like a malignancy across the width and breadth of Volusia County – unchecked growth that cannot and will not pay for itself – it appears that Chairman Brower is an ineffectual outsider jousting with windmills.

Unfortunately, (and by insider design) he has been.

In my view, one thing Chairman Brower hasn’t done is fall victim to the political pitfalls that await most first term elected officials when they are taken into the inner sanctum, made to feel part of the bureaucratic system, groomed by senior officials to believe they alone hold the answers, while influential people who wouldn’t have given them the time of day before the election laugh at their jokes and slap their backs. 

Heady stuff for the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker who win an election…

In many ways, Brower has remained an iconoclast (and on the losing end of more 6-1 and 5-2 votes than I can count) who now has the beatdown appearance of a tattered piñata as he tries to convince disillusioned voters he can somehow be effective from inside the soundproof box his “colleagues” have confined him in. 

Earlier this week, we witnessed the worst of how this current iteration of the Volusia County Council treats worried citizens from throughout the region who are concerned about the frightening specter of an around-the-clock bulk fuel terminal proposed for Ormond Beach.

Rather than rattle the saber on a zoning change to prohibit the terminal from being built in the most inappropriate location on the Eastern Seaboard – a bold move that held the risk of a court challenge – the majority decided to do what they always do and sit with their thumbs firmly wedged in their backsides “letting the process play out”  while arrogantly insinuating they have insider knowledge that the project may eventually be moved out of the area.

Chairman Brower and Councilman Troy Kent were the only elected officials who stood with residents, committed to using all means legally and legislatively available to stop the dangerous distribution terminal from being located literally in the backyards of existing Ormond Beach residents (and future residents of Ormond Crossings).

In my experience, in politics and life, it becomes a whole different game when the piñata hits back.

If Mr. Brower is to have any chance for a second term – now is the time for him to take off the gloves (as he has previously promised) and bring the chronic obstructionism and time-wasting procrastination of his “colleagues” to the attention of the vast number of uninformed, uninspired, disenfranchised, and apathetic voters who continue to rubber stamp their ballot based upon a glossy mailer…   

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!   

Hi, kids!

You’ll notice some changes to this week’s column… 

Even before the unthinkable events of last weekend, I did some naval-gazing, thinking long and hard about the future of this alternative opinion blog in an age where even local political divisions have digressed from ideological disagreements and conflicting ideas to a blood feud between rival gangs – all fostered and funded by dark forces the average Joe Lunchpail like me can’t begin to comprehend – weaponized fear and real hatred that is tearing at the fabric of our society.

Given the hateful rhetoric and ad hominem attacks that pervade our political dialog, I have questioned whether blogsites like this help or hurt those divisions? 

I’ve come to the realization that what the public discourse doesn’t need is another jackleg editorialist like me subjectively categorizing politicians and public policies as “Angels” or “Assholes.”   

I naturally assume that whether we agree or disagree on the issues of the day, anyone who takes time out of their day to read Barker’s View is an engaged citizen and informed voter – someone who seeks and considers various points of view – then forms their own unique opinions and internal dialog on the issues we face.   

Here are my jaded thoughts on the news and newsmakers of the day.  Yours may differ. 

I sincerely hope we can agree to disagree… 

Volusia County Council

“As with most programs administered by Volusia County government, in the lead-up to the vote to renew ECHO and Forever, taxpayers became concerned about the manner and means by which the funds were being administered – including a lack of transparency in the process – which resulted in the formation of citizen oversight committees.

It became known as the “trust issue” – and is the exact reason Volusia County voters rejected a proposed half-cent sales tax in 2019.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that most Volusia County residents were under the distinct impression that ECHO funds would be used to bring new and innovative opportunities to life by partnering with non-profits and municipal governments with an innovative project of countywide interest who agreed to the grant match and performance requirements.  

Instead, on Tuesday, by unanimous vote, the Volusia County Council approved a “Direct County Expenditure” bundled as a “5-year plan” which will now place divisional capital improvement expenditures – specifically the repair and replacement of existing infrastructure – on the back of the Volusia ECHO program.”

–Barker’s View, Angels & Assholes for March 10, 2023

Earlier this week, those self-described “fiscal conservatives” on the Volusia County Council once again dipped into voter approved ECHO funds – adding approximately $10 million in “direct county expenditures” (read: “It’s our piggybank and we take what we want with the wave of a wand”) – to include $3.5 million for Councilman Don Dempsey’s indulgent motocross facility…

Really? 

I’m not sure how much more of this weird brand of “fiscal responsibility” strapped Volusia County taxpayers can stand… 

In my view, supplanting recurring repair and replacement expenditures with funds earmarked for ECHO grants, then wrapping it in some bureaucratese and shoving it down our throats, is not a proper and compliant use of these dollars – it’s bait-and-switch sneak thievery.

As history repeats, to ramrod another massive expenditure, Community Services Director Brad Burbaugh hid behind an obscure 2020 resolution passed by the Volusia County Council authorizing the ballot initiative and permitting the council to use ECHO funds for “direct county expenditure for County government projects or by grants-in-aid awards.”

(You remember that resolution, right?)

I’ve said this before, but when I voted to extend the ECHO and Forever programs, I had no idea that those dollars would ultimately be used for “cultural and historic” amenities like repairing long neglected beach ramps, walkovers, and docks, renovating public restrooms and parking lots at county facilities, and building a multi-million-dollar motocross facility to eliminate overhead for a yet to be identified private for-profit contractor. 

Most responsible government entities without a tax supported piggybank at their disposal properly budget for capital asset repair and replacement obligations each year. 

They don’t quibble resolutions, twist ballot language, and stretch programmatic intent to shoehorn anything and everything – including the pet personal projects of sitting politicians – or turn funds for additional ecological, cultural, historic, and outdoor recreation amenities into a slimy slush fund where our tax dollars are regularly looted to cover ongoing mismanagement in the preventive maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing public assets.  

At the same meeting – after years of sitting on their thumbs while development spread like a malignancy across the width and breadth of Volusia County, quickly outpacing any notion of concurrency, and overwhelming transportation and public infrastructure – councilmembers are now wringing their hands over how to pay for these long-ignored civic necessities. 

As always, Volusia’s stagnant “Old Guard” would prefer to smokescreen the issues with “look, we’re doing something!” eyewash – this time proposing a property tax increase (because their repeated attempts to push a sales tax increase have failed miserably) that would generate a relatively miniscule $5 million in additional tax revenue for road improvements. 

County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald advised that amount would add about one mile of road expansion….  

Wow.

According to a report by Sheldon Gardner writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week, “District 3 Councilman Danny Robins suggested the idea as a starting point for raising money to tackle the county’s backlog in road projects. The council plans to discuss the matter further as part of the budget process, including how big that backlog is and how a dedicated millage rate for road infrastructure could be used.”

“If not now, when?” Robins asked. “I’d like to start chipping away at this.”

Other’s saw it for what it was, with District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey, District 4 Councilman and Vice Chair Troy Kent, and Chairman Jeff Brower all voting against the increase.

According to the News-Journal, “Kent said he would support a workshop to talk about road needs, but he didn’t want to raise taxes on people for what he called a minuscule difference in road funding.

“I’m not just a no, I’m a hard no on this,” he said.”

Look, I’ve come around to Councilman Kent’s way of thinking on many issues, but I’m not sure another hot-air generator is going to amount to a hill of beans when it comes to our now insurmountable infrastructure shortfalls – but that never stops them from kicking the can down that dusty political trail…   

Maybe they can bookend another do-nothing “workshop” on transportation needs with next weeks “Permitting and Zoning” workshop – which will no doubt consist of Growth and Resource Mismanagement Director Clay Ervin putting us all under the ether with another multi-slide PowerPoint presentation…   

Whatever.

I don’t know about you, but in my view, it is time we begin the hard discussion of “right sizing” Volusia County government, focusing scarce resources where they are needed most, rather than perpetuating an unsustainable environment where taxpayers now shovel $1.3 billion annually into the insatiable maw of this massive bureaucracy with little tangible benefit year-over-year beyond another sad chorus of the Poormouth Blues…    

First Step Shelter

“Fiduciary maleficence. Fraudulent activities. Discriminatory bias in employment procedures and policies. Ongoing harassment and retaliation against employees who speak up. Breaches of confidentiality, unethical behavior and fostering a toxic work environment.”

–Eileen Zaffiro-Kean, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Employees of homeless shelter accuse director of fraud, discrimination, other misdeeds,” June 17, 2024

I’ve never been a fan of the First Step “Shelter” concept. 

In the view of many, the incredibly expensive and enigmatic program that seeks to move certain homeless people who meet established criteria into permanent housing continues to sponge the bulk of Volusia County’s scarce resources leaving large gaps in services and outreach – while those unfortunate souls who don’t meet the program’s entrance standards remain a very visible and underserved presence on our streets. 

According to reports, First Step’s $1.5 million annual budget remains underwritten by $800,000 in public funds split between the City of Daytona Beach and Volusia County governments; with additional funding coming from a few other cities, grants, churches, and individual donations – while major fundraising still relies on an incredibly tone deaf black tie “Mayor’s Gala” – a glamorous soiree where black tie, glittery gowns, ostentatious jewelry, fancy cocktails, and a theme dinner seem to fly in the face of the needs of those sleeping behind the dumpster outside…   

Sad. 

Now, the First Step program is facing its most pressing questions since the lucrative no-bid “deal” that has allowed a private for-profit paving contractor to haul publicly owned fill dirt off publicly owned property adjacent to the First Step site during the most prolific development boom in our region’s history…       

The drama unfolded last month when current and former ranking employees of First Step Shelter came forward with disturbing allegations of personal, professional, and fiduciary misconduct centering on Executive Director Victoria Fahlberg.

According to a June report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Their complaints run the gamut, and include accusations that Fahlberg submitted to an accountant a fabricated receipt for the sale of a car donated to the shelter, and that Fahlberg put a sexual device in a former employee’s box of belongings to make the employee uncomfortable.”

Other claims include client-on-client bullying, internal theft, weapons, and drugs entering the facility, violations of admission policies, and other procedural and safety violations that has put staff and residents at risk.   

The allegations also suggest that Fahlberg directed an employee to backdate and create fraudulent records of donations to the City of Daytona Beach’s “Discourage Panhandling” campaign. 

In addition, the News-Journal reports that Patrick Smith, the shelter’s director of philanthropy and engagement, “…alleged that Fahlberg told him she suspected a local elected official was trying to undermine her because she refused to go on a date with him.”

Whoa…

After some initial debate, the First Step Shelter Board, under the leadership of Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, opted to pay local attorney Scott Simpson $5,000 to conduct a “preliminary investigation” that will include interviews with the “shelter’s” fifteen employees, and (one would assume) a forensic review of internal finances and controls. 

No word on whether Mr. Simpson will seek to determine and expose the identity of the jilted “local elected official” mentioned in Smith’s allegation… 

Following Mr. Simpson’s inquiry, the News-Journal reports “…shelter board members will decide whether to look deeper into the allegations, consider corrective actions, or end the investigation without further response.”

In my experience, very few organizations – public or private – are immune from misconduct, malfeasance, and general assholery from those in positions of trust.   

When issues arise, it is important that those in an oversight position mount an effective and transparent investigation – especially when public funds are involved – and take affirmative steps to remove the threat, establish stability and continuity of services, and establish protocols to prevent similar events in the future.   

Time will tell how the First Step Shelter Board reacts to protect the public trust, restore the confidence of donors, and best serve the needs of those less fortunate in our community. 

Debbie Darino and the Ponce Animal Foundation

Last year our dog Nola, in one of her frequent fits of excitement, made a running jump and injured the tendon of her right knee.  She was a spry nine-year-old – the absolute light of our lives – and it was pitiful to watch her hobble around on three legs.  After consultation with our veterinarian, it was decided Nola was healthy enough for surgery. 

As we searched for the best possible care, Debbie Darino, the valiant hero of the tragic story of Ponce – a 9-month-old Labrador puppy that was beaten to death by a cowardly shitbag in 2017 – reached out and put us in touch with Dr. Jay Erne of the Veterinary Orthopedic Clinic in St. Augustine. 

Thanks to Dr. Erne’s incredible skill and the rehab that followed, our Nola is good as new today!

But that is Debbie’s way. 

Whenever and wherever an animal is suffering – she moves heaven and earth to be the positive difference in the outcome. 

From her tireless efforts to enact Ponce’s Law, a much-needed Florida statute that increases penalties for animal cruelty, to her work with the Ponce Animal Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has raised more than $45,000 to help pet owners cover veterinary bills and provide housing for the pets of domestic violence survivors, her care and compassion continues to be a blessing in the lives of defenseless animals in Volusia County and beyond.     

God’s work.

These vital services are made possible by your tax-deductible donations.  To learn more about how you can help further Debbie’s mission of advocacy, education, and support for injured and abused animals, please see www.theponceanimalfoundation.org (Make a Donation button). 

Thank you, Debbie Darino, and the Ponce Animal Foundation.  We’re glad you passed our way. 

Quote of the Week

“On Monday night, Edgewater resident Anthony Kianvar walked up to the podium in what appeared to be a packed council meeting room and said: “On or about June 5 of last month, our mayor, Mr. DePew along with Donald Burnette, the mayor of Port Orange, decided to have an evening at a business serving alcoholic beverages in Port Orange. And during their visit, Mr. DePew attempted to use a Georgia ID with a 2000 birthdate.”

DePew interrupted Kianvar and asked him to stick to city business.

“OK, well, I think that this is city business, sir,” Kianvar said. “Now, you may be thinking our mayor is 19 years old. You may be thinking he is not 24.”

DePew asked Kianvar to address the council regarding city business matters only.”

–Reporter Mark Harper, writing in The Daytona-Beach News Journal, “Edgewater resident cut off from comments after alleging 20-year-old mayor used fake ID,” Wednesday, July 3, 2024

It got worse… 

“If the kid did something knuckleheaded, he wouldn’t be the first 20-year-old to do something,” Burnette said. “And I didn’t even know he was underage, to be honest with you.”

–Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette, as quoted by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Say what? 

Look, I’m not a political scientist, just another bemused spectator up here in the cheap seats – but in the history of political campaigns – no candidate, regardless of context, wants to be quoted in the newspaper saying, “I didn’t even know he was underage, to be honest with you…” 

Sorry.  I got a chuckle out of that one. 

When I was a kid growing up in the Halifax area the drinking age was 18 and we didn’t need fake ID’s.  In fact, I can’t recall too many beachside bars that bothered to check – which means I was a regular at The Silver Bucket on Seabreeze Boulevard by sixteen…    

As I understand it (and I’m not sure I do) last month, Edgewater Mayor Diezel DePew – who was just 18 years old when he was elected in 2022, becoming the youngest mayor in Florida – attempted to shutdown Anthony Kianvar during the citizen comment portion of an open public meeting when he alleged an apparent incident involving DePew at a Port Orange restaurant last month.

According to Kianvar’s allegations, DePew is said to have attempted to use a fake identification card to purchase an alcoholic beverage. 

If true, that’s not “knuckleheaded” – it’s against the law. 

Penalties include fines of up to $500 and 60-days in jail for anyone under the age of 21 who purchases, possesses, or consumes alcoholic beverages.  The law also includes any establishment who serves someone under the legal drinking age…   

It is also illegal to use an altered or counterfeit identification card – in some cases, a third-degree felony. 

I agree with Mr. Kianvar – when credible allegations of criminal conduct involve the sitting Mayor of Edgewater, Florida – that’s a significant issue of public concern.

Regardless, Mayor DePew was less than forthcoming, repeatedly claiming the allegations involved a “…personal matter that may be addressed later” – arrogantly talking over Kianvar, and at one point reportedly calling for an “officer” ostensibly to silence a concerned citizen addressing duly elected officials about a matter of public concern.   

Adding to the awkwardness was Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette, a candidate for Volusia County Chair, who did an impressive version of Sergeant Shultz’ “I know NOTHING!” when asked about the incident.   

According to the News-Journal’s report:

“On Wednesday, Burnette, the Port Orange mayor who is also running as a candidate for Volusia County Council chairman, said he was at the Port Orange Half Wall restaurant and beer house on what might have been June 5, eating dinner with a friend and DePew asked to join him.

“He didn’t stay long and left,” Burnette said. “Don’t know much about it.

“I’m not sure if there’s something personal between him and some guy,” Burnette said, “because the server made some comments about him when he left, and frankly, I wasn’t involved, didn’t see much and wanted to stay the hell out of it, so I was like, ‘OK.'”

Burnette said he did not see any police at the restaurant.” 

That’s beyond embarrassing, and the lack of transparency only results in deeper, more disturbing questions…   

In my view, making a mistake is one thing, but knowingly uttering an altered or counterfeit identification card in an attempt to purchase alcohol is an intentional act. 

That’s concerning.

The citizens of Edgewater deserve clear answers from Mayor DePew.   

And Another Thing!  

Our participatory democracy demands civil, pointed, and critical discourse – coupled with citizen oversight of government at all levels.   

In fact, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution preserves our inalienable right to free speech and peaceable assembly, the ability of a free people to come together and collectively express, promote, pursue, and defend our individual and shared ideas.

There is no place for political violence. 

Attempting to silence, intimidate, or eliminate others who hold a differing viewpoint is a direct attack on our democratic system of governance – and our sacred freedoms. 

When I started writing down my thoughts and floating them on this blogsite eight years ago, I wasn’t searching for a political identity or following (maybe an egocentric need to stay relevant in retirement?) and I vowed to never require a subscription fee, accept advertising revenue, and always put my name on anything I write. 

The fact is, I write these screeds for me – and profiting from this blog would cheapen the purpose.      

These jaded observations are a cathartic release, a means of purging my political frustrations by venting my spleen, one man’s hypercritical hyperbole – neither always right, nor always wrong – a constructive outlet for voicing my opinions on the issues of the day.

Sometimes we agree, and many times we don’t.  That’s okay. 

That’s what this exercise is all about.  I learn best when proven wrong.     

Unfortunately, the escalation in the tone and incivility of the rhetoric at all levels of politics, including the vicious, terrifying, and unwarranted demonization of public servants that I saw during my recent return to public service, gave me pause.    

Last week, I was profoundly moved when reading the sincere thoughts of Barker’s View readers – all of which were exceedingly kind – even those who vehemently disagree with my every thought on the issues we collectively face. 

Humbling. 

Some generously compared these jeremiads (or at least the motivation behind them) to the extraordinary work of the late great Big John and Marc Bernier in furthering a larger discussion in the community.   

Look, I cannot hold a candle to either of those great souls (who are no doubt rolling in their respective repositories at the mere thought of being mentioned in the same sentence together…) 

However, I still believe that those who care about the civic, social, and political challenges on Florida’s “Fun Coast” need somewhere to gather, to think, and honestly consider – a salon, of sorts – a place for the debate of unique ideas adjacent to the din and hullabaloo of social media, the lopsided spin of paid mouthpieces, or partisan echo chambers.   

That’s important.                                                          

While I cannot promise we will always agree, I will endeavor to point out what I see as the absurdity of it all, with the same bite and sarcasm you’ve come to know and love or loathe, and hopefully provide a starting place for a larger discussion of the issues.

Thanks for being here.

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

A long time ago, God sat down in a dark corner of his heavenly workshop.  Spread out before him was an assortment of mislabeled pieces and broken parts that he put in a cocktail shaker, shook passionately, then poured out the prototypical Holly Hill cop. 

In exchange for giving him a special place to love and care for his whole life through – the Good Lord’s compromise was that when the officer’s productive life was through – he would never be good for anything else again.   

Astonishingly, just when I thought no one could ever count on me for anything – someone did…

I was recently granted a short furlough from retirement to help transition my beloved Holly Hill Police Department from a very dark place to an exciting new future.  A difficult but personally fulfilling challenge that showed me how much things have changed in my profession – and my life.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it – we took it on the chin – and when I first entered the building, that intimately familiar place where I spent the bulk of my adult life, it had the feel of a hospice.   

Hard lessons learned.  A transformative experience that changed everyone involved.    

For instance, I used to be a voracious consumer of the news, reading multiple newspapers before breakfast, perusing editorials across the political spectrum, making notes, annotating articles, and keeping up with breaking stories was a big part of my day. 

After repeatedly seeing the accurate but heartbreaking descriptor “troubled” written in front of my beleaguered department’s name in the news each day, it hurt, and I don’t follow current events much anymore. 

And I have all but abandoned the feeding frenzy of social media, a medium I once viewed as every man’s soapbox – now more of a compulsive waste of time, where reasonable voices are drowned out by asinine inaccuracies and uninformed speculation – something I no longer have the stomach for. 

At least not right now.   

Through this process, I learned much about the depths of disappointment, and the best and worst of human nature during a crisis; the silence and cruelty of some I thought were friends, perceived enemies who showed compassion when we needed it most, the damage political opportunists can do when they smell blood in the water, and the indominable spirit of a small group of resolute professionals who never quit when others on their right and left broke and ran, and the livelihoods of dedicated men and women, many with young families, hung in the balance as a century old tradition of policing in this small, tightknit community was threatened with extinction.      

I will be forever proud of those officers, staff members, senior city administrators, and elected officials I had the privilege of going through this extraordinary period of pain and embarrassment with – they made me a better person – forged a stronger organization, and acquitted themselves with honor, integrity, and great courage under withering criticism.   

Having been out of the game for over a decade it was disorienting, but I tried my best to help more than hurt and provide hope and stability to some well-deserving public servants while secretly shaking in my boots. 

During that trying time, I literally begged some good men and women to stay the course after they were actively recruited to leave for perceived greener pastures (pun intended), and I received much-needed encouragement and guidance from a few former colleagues still in the fray.  

I will never forget that. 

Slowly we dusted ourselves off, cleaned up the department literally and figuratively, and began to smile more (truth be told, I closed the door and silently cried a few times, which is not a leadership trait that inspires confidence, but an honest human emotion).  Along the way I came to the painful realization that I am a tired and technologically illiterate old man whose notion of shoe leather policework long ago went the way of the buggy whip…  

Though much has changed about my former profession, other aspects of the job remain the same. 

A young person’s tragic death by overdose.  The search for a lost Alzheimer’s victim.  Mans inhumanity to man.  My legendary emotions rising and doing my best to suppress them, my once ferocious roar now muted and humble.   

A hit-and-run crash that injured a teen.  A confused elderly person who could no longer care for their equally confused and frightened pet. Commiserating with a young officer affected by a difficult death notification; marveling at the extraordinary courage and personal resilience of another recently involved in a traumatic incident.

Sweeping the floors, being the last to leave, trying to set a personal example. Enjoying the camaraderie that bridges time and age – and the good-natured ribbing of those who still remember some of my more cringeworthy career highlights (CHAOS: “Chief Has Another Outstanding Solution.”)

Trying hard to decompress after a long day without the crutch of multiple Martinis, staying alert and clearheaded, watching the weather, watching everything, anticipating, waiting for the phone to ring after midnight. 

It brought back so many memories, good and bad.  Still hard and clear as glass…     

In the many years since my productive life ended, I have lamented how much I missed the work I loved; and the feeling of being welcomed inside that historic coquina building that became a personal touchstone.  No matter what happened in my life, I knew if I could just get back to that wonderful place there were people inside who cared about me.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that what I missed were the people I once served with – some of whom are no longer with us.  Those friends, colleagues, and magnificent souls who made my life and career so incredibly fulfilling. 

It was like returning to a beautiful house that I helped build with love, blood, sweat, and tears to find a new family living there.  After wasting so much precious time yearning for a time and place that no longer exists, I really needed that closure. 

My time has come and gone, and that’s okay. 

That’s life.  A good life.    

This is a new generations’ era – young and energetic professionals doing a difficult and dangerous job with great skill and devotion. 

Good people who deserved far better from their former leadership… 

I wish them careers full of great achievement and complex challenges, doing work worth doing for people who appreciate the effort – and the overwhelming sense of satisfaction that only comes from service to a cause greater than one’s own self-interests.  

Those intrepid souls who have remained loyal to the brand deserve that.  (They deserve a living wage and better benefits for their families, too…)    

Everywhere I looked, there was an intense pride in service, an eagerness to serve others despite near constant fault-finding and condemnation – a willingness to put their lives on the line to protect your family and mine, striving to uphold the finest traditions of public service. 

Throughout the trials and turmoil of the past months, that dedication to the mission was the one constant that continued to burn bright.  

Earlier this week, in front of a standing room only crowd of well-wishers, the City of Holly Hill extended a warm welcome to their new Chief of Police Byron Williams – a true gentleman and inspirational servant-leader who recently completed a stellar 25-year career with the Daytona Beach Police Department. An exceptional law enforcement professional who emerged from a nationwide search – the right person, at the right time – to make a positive difference in the life of this most deserving community.

While others tried to exploit a bad situation, Chief Williams ran to help. 

His legacy is yet to be written.   

When the ceremony was over, I faded back into retirement.  Finally content to pace the cage, back to my well-worn barstool, safe in the knowledge things are in caring and capable hands.

Earlier this week I was asked by a former colleague if I would consider writing a treatise on the leadership challenges of being called back to service after so many idle years – between the lines I heard, “Will you explain the rational of why a tired and troubled old man with a long white beard, covered with tattoos commemorating his former service, would think he had anything to offer in a potentially terminal crisis?”

The short answer to those who aspire to a leadership role is – if you care enough about something – and have a deep devotion to the care and welfare of those wonderful people associated with it – you will instinctively, unquestioningly, and unhesitatingly do whatever you can to help. 

Even when the odds seem insurmountable.

That isn’t leadership – it’s Love. 

I’m no expert, but perhaps those who teach and pontificate on management and leadership should make those terms interchangeable? 

Now, like a phoenix rising from the ashes of disappointment, distrust, and despair comes an exciting new beginning – a department and community who, as Hemingway said, will be “stronger in the broken places…”  A wonderful time of renewal and resurrection.      

In recent days, many loyal Barker’s View readers have asked when my frequent screeds on the news and newsmakers of the day will return to this page.   

The answer is, I don’t know. 

Over the past five weeks of responsibility-induced sobriety (not a fan, by the way), I’ve wrestled with questions of whether these blogposts help or hurt our current divisions in an age marked by pettiness and provocation.    

If the Quixotic notion of pointing out the self-serving machinations of local politicians furthers a larger discussion of the issues we collectively face, or merely contributes to the mean-spirited goading so prevalent now; and whether voicing an alternative opinion is a colossal waste of time when the size of one’s bank account remains proportional to their political influence and access?    

I question the reasons some office holders still confuse why they serve, and who they serve, with their own self-aggrandizement, political ambition, and not-so-hidden personal agendas and proclivities – while openly lying to us about critical issues we face, like the pace of unchecked development, its effect on the land and environment, and the resultant social, civic, and economic pressures?       

Angels & Assholes…  I’ve seen enough of both to know I don’t have the answers…

After stubbornly calling attention to the political screw job we denizens of the “Fun Coast” have collectively faced for the past eight-years, at the end of the day, maybe I was the biggest asshole of them all?    

That’s the problem with introspection – it can be uncomfortable.  I suppose that’s why so few people engage in it…

Right now, all I know with certainty is that over the past few weeks I had the great privilege of coming through a profound and transformational experience with some extraordinary people at a time when my beloved department, and the community it serves, desperately needed help. 

Maybe that was the purpose God intended at his celestial workbench all those years ago?   

I’ll figure it all out and get back to you… 

Thanks for listening.  Thanks for everything.  Talk soon.