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…

First Step Shelter – No Transparency.  No Confidence.  More Money.

Last summer, apparently after a few too many Tullamore Dews, I woke up in the middle of the night with a case of agita and came to the mistaken revelation that I should change the name of this weekly blog from “Angels & Assholes” to something more genteel – allowing the reader to consider my jumbled thoughts and form their own opinions about the machinations of those we elect to spend our hard-earned tax dollars.  

This week’s Volusia County Council meeting reminded why I increasingly regret that decision… 

On Tuesday, our elected dullards in DeLand engaged in a shambolic and confusing “discussion” of continued funding for the enigmatic First Step Shelter, a program embroiled in controversy that (we’re told) exists to provide permanent housing solutions for Volusia’s homeless population.

As usual, it didn’t end well for longsuffering Volusia County taxpayers when the agenda item – camouflaged as a “presentation” – resulted in a disastrous expenditure of unbudgeted public funds without adequate public advertisement or input…   

In 2017, as part of an interlocal agreement with the City of Daytona Beach, Volusia County contributed a onetime $2.5 million to underwrite construction of the facility on city owned land off US-92, and another $2 million for initial operations, paid in installments of $400,000 annually over five years.

That agreement expired in September 2024, and no provision was made in Volusia County’s 2024-25 budget to continue funding.

The advertised “presentation” for additional funding occurred amidst the shitstorm surrounding numerous allegations brought by three former senior staff members turned whistleblowers of fraudulent practices, financial irregularities, rule violations that created a dangerous environment for staff and clients, discrimination, and workplace harassment at First Step Shelter.

Rather than properly investigate these serious allegations of potential misconduct, the First Step’s Board of Directors engaged in a blatant coverup, voting to end a cursory inquiry before it produced anything of substance, leaving Volusia County taxpayers to question what those with a fiduciary responsibility for the expenditure of public funds are trying to hide?  

Adding insult, the First Step board engaged in destructive blame deflection, victim shaming, and character assassination before any investigative report was made public (it still hasn’t been released) – an orchestrated defamation that destroyed the reputations of three brave whistleblowers – contemptuous bullying that sent a chilling message to any other First Step employee having knowledge of malfeasance or misconduct who would dare come forward.  

Then things went from bad to worse… 

In a disturbing December 2024 article in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, reporter Eileen Zaffiro-Kean reported on a massive lawsuit filed against the First Step Shelter and the City of Daytona Beach:

“The suit filed early last week alleges the two former employees, Patrick Smith and Pamela Alexander, were fired in retaliation for their extensive complaints against the shelter, and that they’ve been publicly defamed by the city and shelter.

The city is named as a defendant because it’s intermingled with the shelter. The city owns the shelter building west of Interstate 95, has oversight powers of the shelter board and has contributed $400,000 per year since the shelter opened five years ago. The city also set up the nonprofit agency that became First Step Shelter, Inc.”

Yet, in the midst of lawsuits, turmoil, and lingering questions regarding the validity of the statistics used to prove First Step’s “success” (numbers provided solely by the First Step Shelter’s administration – the very administrator that has been accused of mismanaging financial reports) Councilman Danny “Gaslight” Robins ignored the unresolved allegations and pushed to throw more taxpayer dollars into the First Step pit – while FSS board member Mike Panaggio used his three minutes to tell us all how important he is… 

Bizarre.

After some confusing banter on the dais – which never adequately resolved where the unbudgeted money will come from – Councilman Jake Johansson spiked an idea initially setup by Councilman David Santiago and made a clearly orchestrated motion to continue funding the shelter in a graduated five-year scheme paying an extraordinary $400K, $300K, $200K, $200K, $200K annually.

Performance requirements?  Nah.   

Requiring the release of the investigative report?  Nah.

Use of the facility as an actual homeless shelter?  Nah.

Ordering a formal investigation into the whistleblower complaints of malfeasance, harassment, financial irregularities, and retaliation?  Nah.

Demanding that Executive Director Victoria Fahlberg be replaced?  Nah.

Instead, they directed County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald to “find” the cash (from where?) – then dole it out to First Step based upon numbers and assertions that may or may not be factual – no questions asked…   

Per usual, Chairman Jeff Brower was ignored when he called for Fahlberg to be replaced before considering underwriting First Step for another five-years.  He then voted against Johansson’s cockamamie motion, along with District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey and District 4 Councilman Troy Kent.

During an interview with Sheldon Gardner of The Daytona Beach News-Journal following the meeting, Director Fahlberg arrogantly lectured Chairman Brower while taking a final swipe at the whistleblower’s allegations, heaping even more liability on the First Step and the City of Daytona Beach:

“I think that Chairman Brower should stop listening to gossip,” she said.

She added that Brower should trust the shelter’s board to do the right thing.

Fahlberg said she “was very grateful” for the council’s decision on Tuesday.”

I’ll bet she was.

Because any board of directors or elected body concerned with maintaining the public’s trust in this important service would have shown Fahlberg the door months ago…  

In my view, this assholery represents another disastrous failure of Volusia’s stagnant “Old Guard” – another asinine decision that evidences their inability to think independently, demand transparency, or exercise their sworn fiduciary responsibility in the public interest – and best exemplifies why the obstructionist “RINO Faction” of Johansson, Robins, Reinhart, and Santiago should never be elected to any position of public responsibility again… 

Volusia School Board Chair Jamie Haynes – Part Trois  

There is one constant in Volusia County governance, regardless of the elected body – our influential insiders who control the rods and strings of public policy prefer a Gumby-like malleability, lockstep conformity, a wobbly moral compass, and an unshakable loyalty to protecting the status quo – from those they underwrite for public office.  

Independent thinkers who rely on their own experience, judgement, and perceptions to make decisions, eschew the near constant cheerleading that mask entrenched problems, and demand more from those who accept funds to serve in the public interest than mediocrity and repeat mistakes are not welcome here…   

Why is that?

Last week, the distracting saga of embattled former Volusia County School Board Chair Jessie “Whackadoodle” Thompson continued amidst calls for her resignation from the board by Jenifer Kelly, chair of the Volusia chapter of Moms for Liberty. 

Unfortunately, Ms. Thompson once again demonstrated her complete lack of shame – apparently buoyed by the support of some unnamed heavy-hitters in “Fun Coast” politics – and vowed to remain ensconced on the board despite her egregious conduct during a Moms for Liberty conference in Washington D.C. last year.

Many were shocked to see Thompson on video making disparaging comments about students, belittling other board members, and her disturbing open admission that she lied to her colleagues and presented false information to manipulate a contract with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.   

According to an informative report by Mark Harper writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

“Thompson suggested in a text message to The News-Journal that there are others in her corner.

“Her call for my resignation has been overshadowed by an outpouring of support from people both in Volusia and the state of Florida,” Thompson said. “There is still work to be done, and I’ve promised teachers, parents and students that I will stay and continue to work to make VCS a beacon of education.”

Trust me, there are some serious politics playing out behind the scenes.  But even a self-absorbed dullard like Thompson should have the situational awareness to understand that she’s damaged goods – because stakeholders and taxpayers can never trust her again – despite what her handful of influential “supporters” may be telling her.

During the board’s recent organizational meeting, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin fumbled and stumbled her way through a clumsy vote to fill the vacancy.  With little discussion, newly seated member Krista Goodrich immediately nominated Jamie Haynes for her third chairmanship in as many years (?). 

To her credit, recently elected board member Donna Brosemer rightfully challenged the nomination, citing Haynes mysterious negotiations that brought Balgobin a lucrative new three-year contract last month, something Ms. Brosemer described as “grossly unethical.” 

Because it was…

In explaining that she was a “hard no” on Haynes assuming the leadership for a third consecutive term, Brosemer asked if Haynes could tell her when public notice was given to the board that the Superintendent’s contract was being considered for renegotiation?

Haynes’ silence was deafening – which resulted in Balgobin abruptly cutting off further discussion before the 4-1 vote ensured the status quo.

Then, member Ruben Colón – whose ethnicity was used by Thompson as a crude joke during her tirade – nominated himself for Vice Chair.  The move was seconded by Brosemer and squeaked by on a 3-2 vote with Goodrich and Thompson voting against Mr. Colón…   

For her part, during public comment, Moms for Liberty Chair Jenifer Kelly put Thompson on notice, as reported by the News-Journal:

“She lied to all of you because you are all too lazy to read contracts,” Kelly told the board. “She fed you all false information because she didn’t like you and wanted to get under your skin in an attempt to make magical changes for safety and security with the contract with the sheriff’s department. Did we ever find out what that lie was?”

Kelly then called for Thompson to quit or face removal.

“If you choose not to do the right thing for the students in Volusia County and step down, there are other ways to have your removed. One, by the governor. Two, by recall.”

The criteria for either method of removal include malfeasance and misfeasance, which Kelly said “definitely” apply to Thompson.”

In addition to Ms. Kelly, there is a growing number of inquiring minds throughout Volusia County who want to know if/when a state or federal law enforcement agency charged with protecting the public’s trust in the school board’s contracting and procurement function will launch an investigation into Thompson’s admitted misconduct and determine exactly what she lied about – and why…   

Ormond Beach City Commission – An Example for Commonsense Growth

Earlier this week, the Ormond Beach City Commission took another bold step in the fight against malignant overdevelopment when they denied a rezoning request, development order, and amendment to the Hunter’s Ridge Development of Regional Impact that would have resulted in construction of a 31-home subdivision on a 50-acre tract near already congested West Granada Boulevard (SR-40). 

The Little Tomoka Village would have included a church and community center and came before the Commission with a 4-2 vote to approve by the city’s planning board.  According to reports, most of the planning board members favored the concept over the 50-multifamily units permitted under the DRI and existing zoning.

According to a report by Associate Editor Jarleene Almenas in the Ormond Beach Observer this week, “…commissioners felt that, though the project was proposing to reserve the majority of the 15 acres of wetlands onsite, the risk to nearby homes — which are already seeing some flooding — was too great.

“I just feel like when we pave this with the parking lot, when we put these lots raised up, because it’s going to need a lot of fill, that we’re going to have potential flooding issues because it’s going to flood into the wetland area and it’s going to flood into the neighborhood behind it,” Commissioner Travis Sargent said.”

As evidence of what could happen if thirty homes and other structures were allowed, Art Loguidice, a longtime resident of the area, produced photographs of flooding after storms claiming that a creek that normally drains the property isn’t being maintained.  

According to the report, Mark Watts, the very capable land use attorney representing the developer offered the time-honored Chico and the Man legal defense – that’s “Not my yob, man” – claiming the issues brought by three residents of the area were “…outside of the boundaries of his client’s property.”   

During discussion, the Commissioners spoke of the importance of doing their part to address stormwater issues that many in Volusia County believe has led to development-induced flooding due to fill-and-build construction practices.

Commissioner Kristin Deaton was quoted by the Observer explaining the “development didn’t make sense.”

“I ran my campaign on a ‘Make it make sense’ mentality when it comes to development,” Deaton said. “This doesn’t make sense to me.”

Thanks, Commissioner Keaton.  I know some other elected officials who should employ your commonsense metric for future development… 

Kudos to the Ormond Beach City Commission for using logic, compassion, and strategic vision to stop the hemorrhage while finding solutions to the most pressing issue of our time.

Bethune-Cookman University – A Leader Takes His Leave

In recent years, Bethune-Cookman University was slowly continuing to distance itself from the abject disasters of the 20-teens, when a raging financial and academic conflagration resulted in crippling lawsuits and claims of corruption against former B-CU president Dr. Edison O. Jackson – a horrific period of failed leadership and abject greed that saw this historical community asset brought to the brink of extinction.

It was a time when some familiar names fled the Board of Trustees – claiming they were not given “all the information” regarding the University’s near fatal condition – while others saw the handwriting on the wall and made a dash for the door.  The list of our area ‘movers-n-shakers’ who failed to maintain a fiduciary overwatch on the University’s finances is long and distinguished.

For a time, there was concern that the University’s accreditation was in danger – something that would have resulted in the sad demise of Dr. Bethune’s dream…

Last week, those long simmering tensions boiled over after the Board of Trustees split on hiring current interim president William Berry, despite the fact the University’s presidential search committee recommended his appointment.  In September 2024, the committee voted 11-5 to name Berry the sole finalist before the Board of Trustees deadlocked during a vote taken several weeks later.

Late last week, News-Journal reporter Mark Harper gave insight into the resultant student protests and sit-ins organized by the Student Government Association demanding the resignation of five board members.  

“This has had some students unhappy that the board was unwilling to hire Berry, a figure who has become beloved by students.

“The students are going to continue to stand firm in what our demands are, for those five (trustees) to resign, and Dr. Berry to be named,” said Eternity Bradshaw, student body president.

The five trustees are four who voted against Berry plus Pete Gamble, who abstained from voting.

Bradshaw made reference to one of the reasons a board member had given as to why Berry was not the choice.

“I heard he didn’t have the balls to run the university. I heard that you guys like him as a person but not to give him the keys to the university. If I’m wrong, please let me know,” Bradshaw said.

Trustee Jennifer Adams – another of the no votes – questioned where Bradshaw heard that comment.

Board Chair Belvin Perry, Jr., said he had heard Gamble say Berry “didn’t have the balls” to run the university.

“That is a true statement,” Perry said. “I heard that with my own ears.”

Gamble responded: “I did make that statement. … And I told Dr. Berry that I was neutral, and I didn’t hear you say that I abstained from voting.”

On Friday, in a bold statement, Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. resigned as President of the Board of Trustees after agreeing with the concerns of students, and expressed his belief that the recent turmoil will reverse the gains made in recruiting students and faculty. 

“If you have no students you have no university and they have totally ignored and marginalized these students,” Perry said.

To his credit, Perry will stay as a member of the board. 

I agree with Judge Perry, the Board of Trustees is “anti-student,” and it is high time for change on Dr. Bethune’s venerated campus.

After four years without a sitting president at B-CU, it has become clear to anyone paying attention that the various iterations of the board have been more interested in installing a puppet who will allow their meddling – rather than a strong leader who understands the role – and the challenges faced by this important institution.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue, Judge Perry – and for your support of students who are rightfully demanding better.

Quote of the Week

“City staff brought a contract to city commissioners on July 3 to buy 230 N. Beach St., but the mayor and a few commissioners were uncomfortable with the agreement and delayed a decision.

City staff has said there could be up to $3 million worth of renovation work if the city acquires the building. That $3 million, and another $4.4 million to buy the structure, would come from excess permits and licensing funds the city has to spend down to comply with state regulations.

When City Commissioner Stacy Cantu checked out the property in July, she saw work being done inside and both Dumpsters and trash cans jammed full with building materials she suspected contained asbestos.

She grew concerned for the workers hauling out the debris who weren’t wearing protective gear, and the waste removal workers who would be hauling away what was put in trash cans.

In early July she filed a formal complaint with the DEP that sparked the investigation. Once DEP investigators got inside the building, they say they found enough disturbed areas to trigger a close look.”

–Journalist Eileen Zaffiro-Kean, as excerpted from her report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Florida DEP finds riverfront Daytona Beach building had multiple asbestos violations,” Friday, January 17, 2025

Kudos to Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu for her diligence and oversight in reporting a hazardous situation to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and courageously defending the best interests of Daytona Beach taxpayers, Beach Street merchants, and visitors.

For her trouble, Commissioner Cantu took some heat last year when she stood firm and challenged the city’s consideration of the 63-year-old, 32,000 square foot, multistory office building at 230 North Beach Street ostensibly to house just 28 employees of the city’s permits and licensing department.

In Eileen Zaffiro-Keans’ excellent report, we learned a DEP investigation uncovered seven asbestos violations, resulting in a consent order including abatement measures, massive fines, and civil penalties for apparent mishandling of the deadly substance.

Even if the building’s owner complies with the consent order, “…within 60 days he would need to pay the DEP $186,440 to settle the regulation violations. That fine includes $180,000 for civil penalties, $3,940 for economic benefit, and $2,500 for costs and expenses the DEP incurred during the investigation…”

According to the report, under the agreement the owner has the option to “…have 45% of the $180,000 civil penalty offset by implementing a pollution prevention project that would have to be approved by the DEP. The project would have to reduce pollution or waste beyond what is required by federal, state or local law to be eligible for the civil penalty offset.”

I’ve said this before, in my view, Daytona Beach taxpayers have no greater advocate than Stacy Cantu. 

It is clear Ms. Cantu will not have her voice or enthusiasm for service suppressed by anyone – nor should she.  While some may find her sharp elbows uncomfortable (including me, on occasion) in this case, her efforts averted a potential financial and environmental disaster for taxpayers.     

As an elected official, Ms. Cantu understands that her role is to remain vigilant, and she does an outstanding job of keeping watch, always fiercely independent and attentive to the concerns of her constituents.

Well done, Commissioner Cantu.

We need more leaders willing to stand tall and ensure that local governments are looking out for the best interests of their constituents here on the “Fun Coast.”

And Another Thing!

“As Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. bills it as “a city of destiny,” Deltona continues to solidify its reputation as the most interesting city in East Central Florida.

“We need change, … and take away the nasty remarks that have been made,” freshman Commissioner Emma Santiago said at the City Commission’s Jan. 6 meeting. “We will no longer endure any nastiness and bullying.”

Sensing Deltona’s public image is largely formed by the discordant and often raucous ways in which its elected leaders and their constituents conduct themselves at official meetings, City Manager Dale “Doc” Dougherty drafted a set of standards to remake the way the government of the largest city in Volusia County appears and behaves. The meetings, often replete with vulgar and coarse language, are livestreamed and can be playbacked via the city’s website. The potential audience extends well beyond Deltona.

The latest move affecting the public-comment time at commission meetings comes a few months after city officials stopped streaming and televising that opening half-hour segment of the regular meetings. Critics have complained that that action amounts to a suppression of free speech and that it deprives Deltonans of the opportunity to become better informed about what is happening in their city.”

–Reporter Al Everson, West Volusia Beacon, as excerpted from “Public discourse in Deltona: The best free show — if you can see it,” Tuesday, January 14, 2025

I prattle on, ad nauseam, about the importance of freedom of speech. Those inalienable protections that allow us to express ourselves, form an opinion, articulate our viewpoint, question those in power, criticize our government, and engage in the spirited debate of civic issues and peaceful dissent.

Because, for now, I still can… 

By definition, the great George Orwell, author of the eerily prophetic novels Animal Farm and 1984, said, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” 

Especially those who hold power over our lives and livelihoods.

According to reports, Deltona City Manager Dale “Doc” Dougherty – who desperately wants to change Deltona’s raucous image – recently proposed a series of controversial “rules” and over-the-top diktats (such as allowing Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. to sanction anyone deemed to have “excessive body odor”?) under a subjective policy titled “Disorderly Conduct at Meetings Prohibited” including a “DECORUM POLICY.”

Sound familiar?

Unfortunately, when one thinks of the two most dysfunctional and inaccessible local governments in the region, the Volusia County Council and the Lost City of Deltona rank right at the top. 

One thing both entities have in common is repeatedly attacking the public’s right to address their elected officials.  On Tuesday, several of our “representatives” on the Volusia County Council let us know in no uncertain terms that these are their “business meetings” – and they would prefer if We, The Little People kept our cake holes shut, email any piddly-ass problems we may have, and stop the timewasting grandstanding at the podium.

(Seriously.  Councilman Jake Johansson believes the only reason Volusia County taxpayers seek to participate in person is because “…it’s the only time you can communicate on the podium in front of the TV so you can go watch yourself later…”)

Don’t take my jaded word for it, watch Item 6 here: https://tinyurl.com/my537vc2 The fun begins at 2:04:46…

Look, I don’t live in Deltona – but if you care about good governance in your own backyard, you should care about good governance everywhere – and as a large and influential municipality in Volusia County what happens in that troubled community ripples across the region. 

For instance, when potential entrepreneurial investors consider relocating job-producing enterprises here, they use government stability and accessibility as an important metric. 

Unfortunately, Deltona continues to struggle with the concept of meaningful public participation and the ability of citizens in a free society to express themselves, provide substantive input, seek redress of grievances, disagree, and voice their opposition. 

What are they afraid of?

Now, it appears Commissioner Emma Santiago, the wife of development shill and Volusia County Councilman David “No Show” Santiago (who has repeatedly attempted to stifle public participation in County Council meetings) only wants to hear from those who appear before the Monarchy with hat in hand and genuflect before the elected elite – and anyone she perceives as engaging in “nastiness and bullying” will be silenced.  

In other words, under her benevolent dictatorship, Commissioner Santiago wants to suppress your point of view unless it involves happy talk, cotton candy clouds, and big rock candy mountains…

Bullshit.

Where is the legitimate and compelling government interest in refusing to broadcast taxpayers voicing their concerns during the public participation period on Deltona TV, a publicly funded channel billed as the “communication and information channel for the City of Deltona”?

In the view of many, it is time for thin-skinned Deltona officials to stop the suppression of public participation to hide dissent and embrace the constitutional protections that allow citizens to voice their opinion, criticize decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods, and provide essential input on public policy.

Earlier this week, Mayor Avila posted copious pictures of himself on Facebook – dressed in his expensive finery and rubbing elbows with other tuxedoed politicos at elegant soirees during an official visit to Washington D.C. – while railing against the suppression of free speech by social media platforms:

“I don’t usually post about world politics here, but this one can’t go without comment. It’s quite rich for China to critique the United States over TikTok bans and claim it’s a violation of 1st Amendment rights. This comes from a country where citizens can’t freely practice their religion, criticize their government, or enjoy true free commerce—just to name a few examples. The hypocrisy is truly sickening.  #FreedomMatters #StandForLiberty”

I agree.

Take a look in the mirror, Mr. Mayor.  Your hypocrisy truly is sickening… 

That’s all for me.  Have a great Rolex 24 weekend, y’all!