Valentino supporters are alleging that the commissioner’s political opponent, George Touart, is behind the grand jury investigation of Gene Valentino’s campaign fundraising. They point to how quickly the Escambia County Grand Jury will be convening.
Still can’t figure out how Touart had anything to do with Valentino’s meeting with Cody Rawson or how Touart “made” Valentino tell PNJ reporter Jamie Page that he had discussed his campaign with Rawson at that meeting.
From myperdidokeyblog.com:
“Justice is swift in Florida when it comes to Escambia County Commissioners it would seem. The Commissioner who represents Perdido Key and the surrounding area as part of District 2 will have a Grand Jury convene next Thursday, April 22nd just weeks after it was announced that the State Attorney’s General office would seek charges.”
At a press conference two weeks ago, Commissioner Valentino told a select group of reporters in attendance (IN wasn’t invited):
“For the record, I did not solicit nor did I receive any campaign contributions in that manner — never have, never will.”
….I don’t expect the grand jury to charge Valentino. The case hinges on two things: what will Cody Rawson of Roads, Inc. say and will the jurors believe Valentino’s explanation for why he told Page what he originally said happened in the meeting with Rawson.