In a shocking display of solidarity, the Village of Florida Mayor, accused of acting without any lawful procedure and misconduct, backed by his loyal board members, has taken a bold step to defend himself against a lawsuit filed by concerned residents.
On August 16th, during the Village Board work session, turned into a Special Meeting, The Board unanimously voted to defend Mayor Harter. The move has left the Village of Florida citizens outraged and has once again raised questions about the integrity of their local government. In a highly questionable move Trustee Melissa Werner motioned the decision, followed by Trustee Fuller, who second it. The minutes of the meeting show 4 votes in favor, no votes against, with one, Trustee Olejniczak, absent. Four votes in favor of Mayor’s defense means that Daniel Harter Jr. effectively voted on a motion to defend himself. What a surprise!
Mayor Daniel Harter Jr. has been facing a series of allegations ranging from abuse of power to unlawful conduct. These allegations came to light when a group of vigilant citizens, led by Florida resident Aaron Ubides, gathered evidence that strongly suggested Mayor Harter’s involvement in unethical practices. The lawsuit has gained significant support from Florida residents who have long been concerned about the mayor’s questionable decisions.
Instead of addressing the allegations and engaging in a transparent investigation and an open dialog with the community, Mayor Harter and his board have chosen to circle the wagons and mount a vigorous defense. In a special meeting held as a work session with no public comments allowed, the board members voted unanimously to allocate significant funds from the village budget to hire Elizabeth Cassidy to defend Mayor Harter. This move effectively puts the taxpayers on the hook for the mayor’s legal battle.
Same $225/hr lawyer, who failed to provide the necessary legal advice to prevent the mayor from potentially breaking the law and getting into trouble, in the first place. Cassidy has long been in Mayor’s corner serving as a legal counsel to the Village, but when a lawyer falls short of fulfilling their duty, it raises questions about the value of their services and the responsibility they hold in safeguarding the integrity of public officials. It’s essential for individuals in positions of power to have trustworthy advisors who prioritize ethical and legal considerations above all else. If Cassidy’s legal defense skills match her level of expertise advising the mayor on his actions, we, as taxpayers, are in for one very expensive ride. Potentially, damaging enough to bankrupt the village.
Despite the mounting evidence against Harter and little legal grounds to stand on, his supporters on the board are steadfast in their belief that he is “innocent until proven guilty”. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from the Florida community, which views it as an attempt to shield Mayor Harter from accountability.
The response from the community has been nothing short of furious outrage. Residents who had previously given the mayor the benefit of the doubt now feel betrayed by their elected officials. Many are questioning the board’s composition amidst allegations of some board members living together, as well as the board’s motives for backing a mayor who seems to prioritize his own interests over the well-being of the village and its citizens.
Sue O’Brien, the resident who supports the lawsuit, expressed her disappointment at the board’s decision and summarized it in one word: “Disgusted!”
“We had hoped that our elected officials would uphold the values of transparency and accountability,” she said. “Instead, they have chosen to stand by a mayor who has shown a blatant disregard for the law and the people he’s supposed to serve.”
This case goes beyond the confines of a single village political turmoil. It highlights the larger issue of accountability in local government and the challenges faced by citizens seeking justice against powerful figures. When those in positions of authority are allowed to manipulate the system to their advantage, the very foundations of democracy are put at risk.
The decision of Mayor Harter and his board to adamantly defend themselves against the resident’s lawsuit underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance at the local level. As this legal battle unfolds, it will serve as a litmus test for Florida’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. The outcome will not only determine the fate of Mayor Harter and his board, but will also shape the village’s future and the trust its citizens place in their local government.
By Kat Leslie
