Big George calls out Grover 4.0

George Hawthorne has responded to Grover Robinson’s response to his original letters about possible Sunshine Law violations:

Grover:

Firstly, it is very unbecoming of you as a “public official” to make such libelous statements regarding me that have no basis in fact regarding the nature of my motivations, trying to receive taxpayer dollars, and being rejected by my peers. I will deal with each of these allegations later in my email, however, the issue at hand is the conducting of TDC related discussions “outside of the Sunshine” with between TDC members.

Let me answer your rhetorical question of my knowledge of FL Statutes and specifically the “Sunshine Law.”

· Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine law provides a right of access to governmental proceedings at both the state and local levels. It applies to any gathering of two or more members of the same board to discuss some matter which will foresee ably come before that board for action. There is also a constitutionally guaranteed right of access. Virtually all state and local collegial public bodies are covered by the open meetings requirements with the exception of the judiciary and the state Legislature which has its own constitutional provision relating to access.
· The Sunshine law requires that 1) meetings of boards or commissions must be open to the public; 2) reasonable notice of such meetings must be given, and 3) minutes of the meeting must be taken.
· The Government-in-the-Sunshine Law applies to “any board or commission of any state agency or authority or of any agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation or political subdivision.” Thus, it applies to public collegial bodies within the state at both the local as well as state level. It applies equally to elected or appointed boards or commissions.
· The Sunshine law applies to all discussions or deliberations as well as the formal action taken by a board or commission. The law, in essence, is applicable to any gathering, whether formal or casual, of two or more members of the same board or commission to discuss some matter on which foreseeable action will be taken by the public board or commission. There is no requirement that a quorum be present for a meeting to be covered under the law.

Therefore, discussions, communications and meetings between Dennis and yourself regarding TDC business is prohibited. I never said this has occurred what I said is “who knows what has been discussed between you two.” In fact it will probably take Mr. Eddins to put you two under oath to ascertain these facts.

However, one thing is clear Dennis’ emails that include Nash Patel are a clear violation. Fortunately, Nash didn’t respond and has not violated the Sunshine Law. Also, communication relayed by Ellis Bulloch and Ed Schroeder could be construed a violation. Again this is for Eddins to decide.

You also speak of my “conflicts of interest.” I never applied for these TDC Funds as you suggested, this is simple to prove show me the application. However, what is a clear “conflict of interest” is EWB leading such meetings while under contract to the PBACOC and also seeking to gain the advertising contract for this new CVB entity.
Secondly, you asked what I know about the real estate business. There is where you really show you know nothing about me. I have 32 years experience in real estate and this is my core profession during this time. Let me further demonstrate my knowledge as it relates to your claims of “Dennis is just my broker.”

Florida RE Commissions defines your status as you describe in your email:

A sales associate (SL) is a person who performs any act specified in the definition of broker, but who performs such act under the direction, control, or management of a broker or owner/developer on a transactional basis.
Or
A broker sales associate (BL) is a person who is qualified to be a broker, but who continues to operate as a sales associate in the employ of another. Even though their status with the department is broker-associate, the department still issues the license with a BK as the identifier.

However, it is clear that in either case your ability to perform transactions and receive compensation is solely based in the fact that you are in the employ of the broker whether as an independent contractor or employee. That being the case it clear that you two communicate and “who knows if you have discussed this TDC matter.
Let’s get to the basis of my issues with this situation, which was not directed at you until you decided to personally attack me. Now I wonder what your true involvement has been because, just as the line in Shakespere’s McBeth goes, “you protesteth too much.”

You have tried to shift the issue from these meetings and lack of inclusion to a personal attack on me and my motivation, my intent and my character. This has gone too far however, it is expected when you can’t rely on the facts of the “true issue.” Those being, lack of transparency and the appearance of improper conduct … now you raise my suspensions as to your possible “Sunshine Law” violations.

However, let me restate what I said in my letters to the PBACOC Board. I said the following:

As far as Grover Robinson is concerned he has been very, very helpful and proactive to the development and implementation of this needed strategy and I appreciate his efforts. However, I am beginning to wonder if there is a sincere desire to include this type of initiative in the “new tourism-entity” strategy being contemplated by this “limited-group.”

1. Let’s be clear, I am speaking of implementing multi-cultural tourism strategy that includes using Pensacola’s diverse heritage and local populations from the Spanish, African-American, Native American, Asian, Latino, Irish and other cultures. These “stakeholders” should have their influence represented in the current “cultural-mix” of the Pensacola/Escambia tourism marketing program.
2. The issue I have with this tourism marketing “coup” is that the “players” involved have traditionally had a “narrow” approach to multi-cultural inclusion (except for Nash Patel) and have no experience with the development of a multi-cultural tourism strategy or development of multi-cultural “tourism products” that can add to our tourism marketing “reach” and economic development in a “wider-community.”
3. More importantly, is the issue that this “tourism-defection” team is starting off wrong by having discussion in a “limited circle” about how to utilize public funding to market us to the “World.” And if the “World” we are trying to “sell ourselves” to is multi-cultural and we aren’t selling a multi-culturally accepted product we aren’t going to make the “sale” … and that is opportunity lost for us ALL.

Finally, don’t try to create an “illusion” that I am looking for something for me and that I don’t have the support from my peers … Jackie Myles is on the GCAACOC Board; Robert Hill provides me radio airtime to discuss these issues; Tony McCray has been appointed as a special assistant to the Chairman of the GCAACOC to help develop this multi-cultural tourism initiative; Cadillac Banks and I speak regularly and I fully support his efforts to provide diverse entertainment.
Check your facts before you continue down such a path of division. Again I ask you “Are you sure you want to ride this train with me?”
I have got to go now as I am on my way to Denver to participate in a “Sustainable Economic Development Leadership Academy” in order to assist me in my efforts to bring substantive economic development platforms to ALL of Pensacola and Escambia … on my own dime not taxpayer money like when you travel for the public good!

George Hawthorne