He texted me: “This is the most embarrassing thing I think I’ve ever read. The BT Washington Ladycats represent all the best things about Pensacola. I’m in awe of their achievements, and I appreciate their excellent job representing my Alma Mater and our hometown.”
Who is Dan McFaul?
Dan is a former chief of staff for three congressional representatives—Joe Scarborough, Jeff Miller and Matt Gaetz. As a member of the Presidential Appointments Team of Donald Trump’s 2016–17 presidential transition team, he was tasked with recruiting and vetting appointees for the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, the armed services, and the intelligence community.
- He leads Ballard Partners’ federal lobbying operations. His former partner, Susie Wiles, serves as President Trump’s Chief of Staff.
Dan is a conservative Republican with credentials that few in Pensacola can match. He is stunned by Childers’ behavior.
Childers’ Statement
When Commissioner Lumon May and his fellow commissioners, Mike Kohler and Steven Barry, called out the Clerk for repeatedly refusing to honor the board’s discretionary fund approvals, Childers listed her family’s history with Washington High, then added, “However, as a clerk, my decision stands. I’ve put it in writing. I’ve made statements as to what our property taxes and the general fund should pay. This is not what we pay.”
She did not cite any Attorney General opinions that supported her decision. However, County Attorney Alison Rogers has repeatedly said these expenditures are a legislative decision, not the Clerk’s. Rogers has since released three AG opinions to the media that support her stance.
McFaul Steps Up
Dan texted: “On behalf of my sister, Lori (McFaul) Oswald, starting forward for the 1993 State Champion Ladycats, I’m donating $2000 to the Ladycats. Hopefully, our county leaders can learn how to do better from these outstanding student-athletes! Let’s go, Cats!”
- Will Childers listen? Probably not, Dan.
Pensacola City Council Hands Out Checks
At their March 26 meeting, the Pensacola City Council approved these expenditures out of their discretionary funds:
Councilman Delarian Wiggins: $500 to the Westside Garden District Neighborhood Association.
Councilwoman Teniade Broughton: $500 to Gallery Night Pensacola.
Council President Allison Patton: $500 to Give It A Tri, Inc.