Sections 1-6 reiterate Childers’ version of what happened in the Supervisor of Elections office, but his Section 7 misstates the facts. And it’s the same misstatement being repeatedly made by his supporters.
7. It should be noted that the “Qualifying Information” form provided to candidates seeking to qualify provides for “Form 6 – Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interest, 2023.” See Exhibit C. The only place that the Petitioner had to electronically file that form was through the Electronic Financial Disclosure Management System (“EFDMS”) maintained by the Division of Ethics.
Florida Law 112.3144 (4) states:
A candidate not subject to an annual filing requirement does not file with the commission, but may complete and print a full and public disclosure of financial interests to file with the officer before whom he or she qualifies.
There is no ambiguity. Bruce Childers could not file with the commission. However, he could “complete and print a full and public disclosure of financial interests” to give the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office. He did not do that before noon on June 14.
There are two other points to note from the exhibits used:
1. Page 16 “Supervisor of Elections Qualifying Information”: The note at the bottom of the page reads, “Any questions regarding Form 6 should be directed to the Commission on Ethics..” Why didn’t he call or email the commission?
2. The Supervisor of Elections office redacted Bruce Childers’ address, citing 19.071(4)(d)2f, Fla. Statutes since Childers is a former assistant state attorney.
However, Bruce gives his address in the filing but redacts all the financial information. He appears to not want the public to know his finances, which is the purpose of Form 6.
Here is what I got in my public records request: bruce childers. The Florida Constitution gives you the right to see his finances.