WEAR TV 3 reports that in the 1990s Wilson Robertson’s painting company was the sub-contractor on two county projects:
“It was here at Town and Country Plaza, 8 years ago, in the final months of Wilson Robertson’s last term in office when according to county documents, his Painting company was paid $11,900 to put one coat of paint on a 21,000 square foot space, in this complex.”
Wilson Robertson/Escambia Commission Candidate: “This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
Wilson does admit to having done work as a sub contractor with companies that landed county contracts.
County records show he got $535,000 for work as a sub contractor on the Blanchard Judicial Building during his last term in office.
Is this an ethics violation? WEAR reports the law says, “Nor shall a public officer or employee, acting in a private capacity, rent, lease, or sell any realty, goods, or services to the officer’s or employee’s own agency.”
I guess, if this had been brought up to the state ethics commission 8 to 10 years ago when it occurred, the question would be – does being a subcontractor fall under this statement? We will never what they would rule on this case since this is so old.
I am little curious about why bring this up now? Who gave WEAR the info? I don’t think the news reporters have been reviewing all the contracts for the county from 1990s…but maybe I’m too cynical.
Looks like somebody has been sitting on this and waiting to release it at a time that Robertson has little ability to respond. What else will we hear in the other races over the weekend?