Escambia County commissioners have been told that their chair, Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, plans to move to censure Commissioner Mike Kohler. It’s uncertain whether she will get a second or have the majority of the board approve her motion.
Background: Kohler has faced backlash after his political battle with state Rep. Michelle Salzman over funding to improve the entrance to NAS Pensacola led to a now-deleted Facebook comment on Salzman’s personal page. The commissioner posted: “You claimed to have been sexually assaulted in your military service. Men that abuse women should be prosecuted. Representative Salzman, please let us support you in your fight. I will be the first to help.” Read more.
- Apology: Kohler has apologized for linking two issues in his post. He told me over the phone this morning, “I made a mistake marrying those two together. I’m a nurse. I have people close to me who were sexually assaulted. I have been with rape kits. I have assigned people, victim advocates.”
Last BCC Censure
In a dramatic close to an Escambia County Commission meeting in September 2021, County Attorney Alison Rogers stepped forward to notify the board that District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill had threatened her on two separate occasions.
Rogers told commissioners that Underhill threatened to “bash my reputation until the day I resign” — a direct response to her role in helping Commissioner Steve Barry obtain an ethics ruling from the State Ethics Commission on whether Barry could participate in discussions about the county’s 401(a) annuity plan.
“The most heartbreaking thing about this is that he’s mad at me for doing my job,” Rogers told the board.
Underhill denied using those specific words, but acknowledged warning Rogers that her conduct had “brought shame on this board” and that consequences were likely. He framed his remarks as legitimate oversight of a direct employee.
The distinction didn’t persuade his colleagues. The board voted 4-1 to censure Underhill, with the commissioner casting the lone dissenting vote. Read more.
Difference
Commissioner Underhill allegedly threatened a county employee. He said he only gave Rogers a “warning” in his capacity as a county commissioner as part of his legitimate oversight of a direct employee.
Commissioner Kohler made no threats. He was not acting in his official capacity. He criticized an elected official. It was a stupid statement, which the First Amendment allows. Freedom of Speech also allows the “Cancel Commissioner Kohler” message painted on the Graffiti Bridge.
