Even as they recognized the severity of his behavior, Commissioners Donald O’Brien and Dave Sullivan late Monday night blocked a motion to censure Joe Mullins over his abusive and threatening behavior toward Commissioners Greg Hansen and Charlie Ericksen at the Sept. 9 commission meeting, a stunning acquittal that’s not without precedent: both Sullivan and O’Brien, previously joined by Hansen and Ericksen, had earlier this year and on two occasions publicly refused to censure or even criticize Mullins for similar behavior against constituents and local businesses beyond the commission’s work.
O’Brien’s and Sullivan’s decision, on the heels of Sullivan calling Mullins’s behavior “unacceptable” even as he explained why he would refuse to censure him, was surprising both for the cover it again gave Mullins and the reasons they proffered: O’Brien cited scriptures (“he who is without sin, cast the first stone”) and bemoaned the risk of the county’s reputation taking a hit, while Sullivan said he didn’t want to be the first chairman of the commission on whose watch a fellow-commissioner was censured. Mullins has actively supported both O’Brien’s and Sullivan’s re-election campaigns.
The motion was the result of Mullins calling Hansen a “fat sonofabitch” at the Sept. 9 meeting, during a meeting and standing close to Hansen in a fighting stance, and also insulting Ericksen’s mental acuity.
Sullivan refused to open the floor to public comment after the motion, offering the odd rationale that the motion dealt with commissioner business only. (“I’m not going to have community outreach on this one because we’re talking about specific actions taken by commissioners”). Sullivan also allowed Mullins to vote on the motion regarding his censure. He voted No with O’Brien and Sullivan. The vote reflected intense lobbying behind the scenes over the weekend as the administration, channeling O’Brien’s and Sullivan’s desires, attempted to pull Hansen away from making the motion. Hansen didn’t deny conversations with County Attorney Al Hadeed, but called them “privileged.”
Each commissioner came prepared, knowing how he’d vote: it was a done deal before the meeting.
Almost a dozen people had addressed the matter some six hours earlier in the public comment segment, half calling for censure, half supporting Mullins.
“As a citizen of Flagler County I want to issue an apology to Commissioners Hansen and Ericksen for the insults you’ve had to endure this past week or two,” Mike Cocchiola told commissioners. “That’s egregious and should not have happened. You two have lived your lives and served your constituents and the citizens of Flagler with honor, and to be insulted by someone with far less honor, or none, is egregious. You acted with professionalism and grace. We thank you for that.”
Chuck Collins, a Mullins supporter, said Mullins “may not always be politically correct but he’s politically effective,” and asked Mullins to “stay the course and not permit the bravery of 1776, the sacrifices of body parts on Normandy, Iwo Jima, Messina, ever to be in vain.”
The censure motion was itself almost not heard. The meeting had stretched past midnight because of a hearing on The Gardens, a development matter the commissioners ended up tabling to their next meeting. At around 11:15 p.m., County Attorney Al Hadeed told the board that according to its own rules, the meeting could be adjourned, though it was up to the board members whether to do so. Sullivan said Ericksen had asked to leave, it was late, and called for a motion to adjourn. He didn’t get one, and it became evident Ericksen was not ready to leave quite yet.
Instead, Hansen spoke. “This commission relies on its ability to discuss issues without fear of retribution or harassment. Therefore I move that this commission censure Mr. Mullins for his inappropriate and unprofessional actions at our last commission meeting. He willfully disregarded instructions from the chair. He left his position and menacingly approached his fellow commissioners and used threatening and abusive stance and verbiage. His actions were not only uncalled for. They have left an indelible stain on the fabric of Flagler County government. I ask for a second.”
Ericksen seconded.
Mullins just read the email he’d sent commissioners Friday in which he said he “sincerely apologized for a very intense situation,” naming neither Hansen nor Ericksen.
O’Brien started by saying there were “a few things I want to say, since you brought it up,” suggesting he would not have brought up the matter had Hansen not done so. He then addressed Mullins in what looked like prepared remarks that both chided Mullins but absolved him with every clause: “Mr. Mullins your behavior at our last meeting was embarrassing and hurtful. You’ve admitted to that,” O’Brien said. “There’s no excuses, you did it and you should own up to it and it sounds like you have. And that ended up having our meeting being tainted and undermined, and I told you that day face to face how I felt about it. We serve on a collegial, or we’re supposed to serve on a collegial board of equals, and this is not a vessel for national politics. It’s supposed to be results-oriented, close to the people, local government, and we actually do things that impact people’s lives locally, and we represent everyone. There’s a time for expressing our national political preferences, but when we don’t temper that in our local government work, it detracts from our results.
“This nonsense and lack of leadership results in a huge distraction and a waste of time for everybody,” O’Brien continued, revealing another reason why he would oppose the censure motion: it’s bad publicity. “A Google record is permanent, and so it doesn’t help us with our state partners, our Legislatures,” he said, “and you know, I can’t help and wonder if maybe they won’t pick up the phone so fast because they don’t want to deal with a dysfunctional local government, a local county, and it’s a shame that that happens.” The dysfunction could prevent the county from securing grants or discourage people from running for office because they don;t want to be “involved in this nonsense.”
Then he cited the story of “the prostitute that the Pharisees brought before Jesus, and you know, back then the custom was to stone the prostitute, and as Jesus said, and we all know the end of that story, ‘he without sin, go ahead and cast the first stone.’” (Actually, most translations refer to the woman as an adultress, and Bible commentaries about Christ’s forbearance point to the not-uncommon occurrence of adultery since the beginning of times.)
In an astonishing deflection from the matter at hand, he then accused Hansen of being a “constant agitator, constantly poke, poke, poking with sometimes with negative and biting personal comments. I’ve felt it. We’re all human and over time it has a cumulative effect, and it doesn;t do anybody any good to deal in ridiculous rumors and innuendo. I think you should think about some of the sources that you have. Again, we serve on a collegial board of equals.”
O’Brien had never before hinted at problems with Hansen’s respect for decorum, even when Hansen was chairman, though Hansen’s manner is known for being brusque and imperious at times. That, of course, wasn’t the issue on the table Monday evening when O’Brien’s turning of the tables took yet another, more personal turn: Hansen, as all his colleagues and the entire county administration has known for years, takes most pride in his career in the Navy, when at one point he was in command of a ship–a career the county and his colleagues have repeatedly recognized, as when he is the commissioner chosen to read most military-related proclamations. “This isn’t a Navy ship where you run roughshod over 18-year-old pimpled little sailors, OK?” O’Brien said. “We’re equals here. We don’t just snap to attention and do whatever we’re told, and I’ve witnessed this on a lot of occasions in maybe how we behave publicly sometimes, and how we negotiate with other elected officials. That’s not how it works. Rank doesn’t mean anything on this board. It’s about respect and debate and consensus building, and we should be respectful.”
Constituents had been exhorting O’Brien and his colleagues to impress that lesson on Mullins, who has transgressed each of those “shoulds,” for more than a year, though O’Brien himself had pointedly and publicly said he was not concerned with what Mullins did or said on social media, away from commission business.
O’Brien then defined “decorum” and said “we’re all adults and start acting like it.”
Ericksen spoke briefly of feeling hurt for being an “old, lazy guy,” and for the first time publicly spoke of the situation in May, “when I almost thought we were going to go to punches. It didn;t, I complained to the sheriff about being threatened, etcetera, I think things have gotten better in our communications, and I guess I’d like to see it continue to improve. But we’ve got to do something that guarantees that we act like adults and just do better representation of each other as we go about our daily duties here on this commission.”
Sullivan, like his colleagues, had mulled over his response the entire weekend. “Censure is a pretty significant action to take. We have never done a censure as far as we can do by research in this county, on this board of county commissioners, which came into existence in 1917,” he said. He did not want to be the first chairman on whose watch it would, saying it wouldn’t do any good. He was willing to have a “consensus” that would somehow express the commission’s desire, but he didn;t define what that consensus would be.
“But I do want to say this, it is true that the actions and words used by Commissioner Mullins on Sept. 9,” Sullivan said, “were unacceptable, especially since they were directed specifically at Commissioners Hansen and Ericksen.” But then he explained why, in essence, they would be acceptable even as he said he agreed with what all his fellow commissioners said, describing the Sept. 9 incident as “severe.”
“There has been an apology made,” Sullivan said. “I would at this point rather do something along the lines of a consensus, that we all agree that it was a bad action at that point in time. But I personally as chairman don’t want to be the chairman who was the chairman when we voted to censure someone. I know that’s difficult and I would rather have some kind of, more like a consensus along the lines of what I just said.”
Cocchiola, in his remarks at the beginning of the meeting, had directed further remarks to Sullivan, speaking about the divisive times, and the commission’s choice ahead, for its own chairperson. “And you’re going to have to make a choice between further dividing Flagler County, to bring hate, fear and chaos to Flagler County, or to try to heal the wounds of this election. It’s going to be your choice what you want to do, as to whether Flagler County will come together or will continue to be divided and fraught as it is, and I hope you choose really, really well.” He then castigated Mullins for not wearing a mask, a requirement in the chamber.
“The rule in this room is that everyone has to have a mask on,” Sullivan said. “That’s the building rule, and it applies to all of us. Thank you for pointing it out.” Mullins finally donned a mask.
A Palm Coast resident then told commissioners of another rule in the commission’s book: that “any person who disrupts or interrupts a board meeting by the use of profane language or threat of personal violence, or who makes personal, impertinent remarks, or who exhibits loud or boisterous behavior, may be removed from the meeting by the direction of the chair or consensus of the board. Should that rule also apply to commissioners?” She called Mullins’s behavior at the earlier meeting “disturbing,” his personal insults bordering on “serious threats.” She called on the commission to censure him and not nominate him as chairman in the coming year.
Others called Mullins’s behavior “despicable,” telling commissioners to “do something about it,” with one, Diana LeBrun, describing herself as one of his victims of “online abuse and disrespect from Mr. Mullins” as she called for a reprimand and to keep him from being elevated to chairman. Pat Ferraro, a 33-year resident of the county, said “the behavior and spewing of vitriol from Commissioner Joseph Mullins is only surpassed by his inability to differentiate between being a sitting member of the board and a rabble-rousing participant of an out-of-order band of agitators. His insulting, demeaning and inflammatory behavior has become increasingly more prevalent.” She said the commission has received “repeated calls” to rebuke him.
Then it was the turn of Mullins supporters or associates, including Mark Phillips, who was among the anti-maskers at the earlier September meeting and who this evening reiterated his call on the commission not to re-appoint Bob Snyder, the head of the health department, and Dr. Stephen Bickel, though it’s not in the power of the commission to appoint or dismiss either. (The health department is a state agency.) Phillips said Mullins had spoken up for his group’s First Amendment rights at the previous meeting–also an inaccuracy, as the group’s rights were never in question, though its members’ refusal to follow county building rules were (they had refused to wear masks), and the sheriff and the commission chairman were urging them to wear their masks–and have the floor.
Also speaking on behalf of Mullins were one of his employees and one of the employee’s relatives and two other residents who said they were lending him their support, one of them taking the occasion to echo Phillips’s largely inaccurate case against the health department, such as the claim that churches were being ordered closed. They are not–not locally, not by the state.
Mark says
Spineless.
Jimbo99 says
“Then he cited the story of “the prostitute that the Pharisees brought before Jesus, and you know, back then the custom was to stone the prostitute, and as Jesus said, and we all know the end of that story, ‘he without sin, go ahead and cast the first stone.’””
On my way to Home Depot, buying a bag of garden rocks for the next county commissioners meeting.
Dennis C Rathsam says
The swamp is alive and well in the offices of the county commissioners….Seems the OLD guard is affraid of the young buck! Yeah he is ruff around the edges,but he didnt make all the mistakes that leads us to the mess in Flagler. Money’s pissed away, on moldy buildings, bad decisions, & lies. These old men, who have been here during the past few years are the real problem. They all think their shit dont stink…They love the power, do what they want. And when the shit hits the fan…the blame game starts. Lets start fresh, retire these old men, with the bad ideas.
Been There says
How is it that the old Bunnell Courthouse that was crawling with visible mold that took your breath away when entered, spongey flooring and visible water damage was able to be rehabbed to house a school where children are attending and no one has gotten sick from THAT building BUT the ops center with its little area of mold couldn’t be fixed? Coffey’s regime did that. Cameron’s regime instead strokes the Sheriff’s ego driven agenda to resulting in more waste of tax payer dollars.
People around here look at situations like they are “one offs” but fail to connect the dots. You really need to know how these decisions are affecting people’s taxes.
Don’t just get rid of the old men get rid of them ALL and start fresh.
Dennis says
Grow up children. You pissed away millions of taxpayers dollars. Grow up and act responsible.
palmcoaster says
As usual to be expected of GOP bias outcome WH style!
mark101 says
And there you have. Commissioners in Flagler County notably Commissioners Donald O’Brien and Dave Sullivan have proven yet again its ok to be deplorable and by their NO action must support the rude obnoxious ways of Mullins. . Are they so dam blind that the apology made by Mullins was nothing more than a cover my ass move. Get real, take the blinders off. Do we have nothing but suck ups in our county commission. Do we the citizens in Flagler County have to be the embarrassment in the state on allowing rude and obnoxious behavior of an elected official that has overstepped his bounds. It appears so.
Mike Cocchiola says
We tried. I cannot believe Commissioner O’Brien would go after Commissioner Hansen as he did. My guess is O’Brien has signaled his vote for Mullins for BOCC Chair in November. Should he do so, he will have chosen outright division rather than healing in Flagler County. Regretable.
Trailer Bob says
If he does so, he is insane or bought.
Laila says
It is the latter.
Mary Murphy says
Thank you Mr Cocchiola for speaking eloquently on behalf of Flagler citizens. Shame on the Chair-David Sullivan for allowing Mr Mullins to remain maskless throughout the first 35 minutes of the meeting in the GOVERNMANT SERVICES BUILDING, where a mask is required for entry. It wasnt until a person speaking at the podium called him out that any action was taken. The citizens of Flagler need to be concerned with a gentleman(not a term usually associated with Mr Mullins) who flaunts his own ignorant beliefs about disease transmission endangering the citizens and fellow Commisioners…
Louise says
With all this infighting how can anything meaningful get done in this county. It is so sad that grown men act this way and it sounds like the bully rules the roost. Hopefully everyone will come to their senses, get their act together and get the business of the county as their primary focus.
Chuck Bird says
There is a big difference between casting the first stone (to stone a prostitute to death) and censuring a county commissioner for aggressive behavior. Obviously, Palm Coast has some serious moral and transparency issues. Glad I picked somewhere else to live.
Rich Santomassino says
There is a concept that council member O’Brien should review. It’s called “separation of church and state”. I am a Christian and read the Bible and especially appreciate the proverb of the prostitute as noted by Mr. O’Brien. But this is not church, this is government and therefore the Bible and it’s verses should not be used for policy guidance.
Edith Campins says
Mullins continued his defiant behavior during the meeting ignoring the requirement to wear a mask until Chairman Sullivan poinedly stated the requirement. And yes, his insulting, vulgar behaviour has already done damage to our reputation as a community. Although many have, at times disagreed with the commission’s position on issues, never before has public dialogue sunk to such a low. Some of his supporters commented that his outrageous posts are a response to comments leveled at him. To them I say , go back to his original, unprovoked insults.. He has deliberately taunted and insulted many of us without provocation.
This situation has nothing to do with his politics and everything to do with behavior. He does these things because he wants attention. Certainly his lack of accomplishments warrants scrutiny.
Mr. Deeds says
No Profiles In Courage people on this commission. Sad.
Kat says
What an absolute embarrassment to Flagler county. Our local politics are mimicking our national politics where we have somebody who sows chaos and hate, and a bunch of privileged white men go along in a spineless matter. And everybody hides behind their Bibles, and their so-called “Christianity“ while elected officials are the biggest “sinners” of all. This country has lost its moral compass, nobody stands up for what is right or denounces what is wrong. If you see something is wrong and you don’t do something about it, you are just as much as fault as the original perpetrator. Instead of doing the right thing and censuring Mullins, our commissioners gave him a green light to continue his juvenile behavior. Congratulations, gentlemen – you just gave a blackeye to our county
Sal says
I wish I could have written this because it says exactly what I wanted to say. I will add that I fear for this country.
palm coast reident says
How is it possible that O’Brien “spoke” to Mullins about a this issue in private and Mullins is sending emails to all commissioners without anyone investigating or filing a complaint for violations of the sunshine laws of this state? It appears to me all of these commissioners are ignoring the law that prohibits private conversations between them on any item that will appear on the agenda. Make no mistake if they are publicly admitting to these discussions, it is because they are so used to talking in private, they are forgetting it is illegal or do not care it is illegal. I hope the local media, especially FlaglerLive will investigate.
John Stove says
“Reputation”?!….of the County and/or the Commissioner’s?….are you ffing kidding me? You just cemented the reputations by your failure to correct this behavior….!!!!
What a joke…..Mullins gets another free pass and others watching are saying “oh!….I guess this is acceptable behavior in this part of the world”
Do your job!!!
Mythoughts says
Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Sullivan wait until Mullin attacks you both as he has others. You two are not serving the best interest of Flagler Counties taxpayers that have written on Flagler Live constantly that we want him removed from your commission which is paid by us taxpayers.
I see in this photo how you all have masks on except of course Mullin, so when he spreads his germs to all of you then maybe you will do what is long over do and remove him.
Mullin is nothing more that a bellgerent, arrogant, radical, napoleon.
Trump's Sharpie says
Huh. I guess you CAN buy your friends.
denise calderwood says
Amazing…..I stayed for the duration of the meeting and ten minutes before the meeting ended, Commissioner Mullins put on a baseball cap that supported President Trumps re-election. If there ever was an empty apology this was an example of it and truly a pure example of his narcissistic behavior. Now I truly question the ethical leadership of these commissioners. After all, it only cost Commissioner Mullins a $1,000 to buy the loyal support of Dave Sullivan and who knows really how much he has given Commissioner O’Brien and his family!
Been There says
Conflict of interest much? He voted on an issue that directly could benefit his position. Section E Florida Commission on Ethics http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/Documents/Publications/GuideBookletInternet.pdf
Dedicated American says
Just as I thought. Last night was a dog and pony show. People, we all have to contact Governor DeSantis to have Mullins REMOVED! O’Brien and Sullivan are all part of the good ole boys club of Flagler County. And I can include Hansen also with that statement. These commissioners are all bought by the Chimentos and the builders. How do you accept campaign contributions and not be obligated to their wants. Check all the commissioners on the Supervisor of elections page and see the LARGE campaign donations they receive. Unfortunately Sullivan got in again but hopefully O’Brien will lose. Residents you all must do your homework on these dishonest commissioners. Watch the video and see how these commissioners are going to vote on the gardens at the next BOCC meeting. They will give Chimento a yes vote.
Gina Weiss says
Dedicated American: EXACTLY RIGHT! I sat there throughout the Gardens meeting and left about 10 pm, and I must say KUDOS to the Bulow Creek people who are completely unified and stand up for their community, they are awesome people and I wish I had MORE people like them in my community who advocate for their safety, environment, and their future. Because of people like themselves this commission and commissions past cannot pull what they have pulled in the past i.e. closed door backroom deals, rubber stamping hidden agendas, not publicly addressing future projects with communities, I can go on and on. Flagler county is finally becoming wise to their antics, you are right they are going to give Chimento a yes vote BUT at least now because of the voice of the people, they will have all their i’s dotted and t’s crossed and hopefully will not take advantage of people’s hardworking investment in their homes and community.
Pat says
Well, I guess The Good Old Boys Club is alive and well in Flagler County!
And Commissioner Sullivan, this is not about your reputation but for the Good of the People for whom you represent. Shame on you for not taking a stand against bullying!
And the same for you Mr O’Brien.
We the People shall remember your bad choices this election year.
And Mr Mullins, you’re not out of the woods yet…
Wild Bill says
This morning I heard Mullins
on WNZF radio say he was sorry about his recent behavior at County meetings, immediately followed by a confession that he has a history of drug abuse, and while he is currently in recovery that he hasn’t been able to attend his group recovery meetings due to Covid-19. Make of that what you will, but given his performance lately I would suggest strongly the Commission put on ice any notion of making him the Chair…there must be a cooling off period when an individual mixes in a shaky drug abuse recovery (personal situation) with an excuse for their wild and inexcusable public behavior. C’mon Flagler Commission, stay with the big picture here.
jim dana says
OMG – I can’t believe what I am reading in this article – wow – Flagler Commission you are a sad pathetic bunch – vote vote vote – the only way we can right these wrongs obviously.
Concerned Citizen says
If this is true he has no busniess being a County Commisioner. Drug use is a choice and a poor one at that. Also Flagler County is a DFWP or supposed to be. If this is the case then they need to enforce it on ALL levels.
I can’t understand why people are trying to give him a free pass on probable mental health and drug use issues. I’ve had several dealings with him. None flattering at all. And have found him to be an outright asshole. Who thinks he’s better than everyone else.
The Voice Of Reason says
I am in recovery too during covid-19. Meetings have been ongoing. Some outdoors. some indoors. There is a saying in AA and other 12 step programs, “if you have decided you want what we have (sobriety) and are willing to go to any length to get it, you are ready to take certain steps.” Obviously, Mr Mullins is not ready to go to any length to get it. Sad. But, this should also disqualify him from a leadership position, much less chairman. As a republican representing the party of morals and family values, he himself should just resign. Joe, sobriety should be your number one goal now, not politics. You are obviously not fit to serve.
Concerned Citizen says
At the risk of being called outside by “Commisioner” Eriksen and getting beat up.
To Our Flagler County BOCC,
You all are the most guttless corrupt bunch of cowards I have ever seen in my life.
As one of those residents who Joe Mullins wanted to put on a bus or train ( My grandfather was in Europe fighting those types by the way) I cannot believe you condone this type of behavior on your so called Commision. By your inaction you have told this county that not only do you condone this behavior you find it acceptable. You have also given the middle finger to this county and have told your constiuents to go F themselves.
What kind of power does Mullins have over you all? What have you done that compromised yourselves to the point that you can’t censure a fellow board member. And will most likely vote him chair? What’s up with the private conversations? Were back room deals made?
Your constituents are putting everyone of you on notice. We are tired of the fighting,name calling and inaction. We are tired of the one sided deals that only serve the developers and other special interests you have managed to get tangled up with by accepting bribes, oops I meant “campain contributions” my bad. And we are tired of time being wasted on our dime with meetings like this that clearly served no purpose. We call on you to do your jobs ethically and morally at all times. Not just when media is paying attention.
To my fellow residents,
I love this county and consider it my home. I relocated here after serving my time in the military and retiring from an honorable public safety career. I am still vested in this community by volunteering with multiple emergency services agencies and have been deployed multiple times to help us recover from storms and wild fires. I am sickened by this current BOCC’s behavior. It is unnacceptable in every sense of the word.
I have done my part to not vote incumbents in. And will try and initiate recalls on those already elected. I have also done my part to contact various agencies about the wanton corruption and misconduct of this BOCC. I cannot do it all alone. It takes a community to rise up and tell these corrupt empire builders we are tired of it.
I have done my part. Will you do yours? We need change. And quickly before it is too late.
Trailer Bob says
What a bunch of BS about not wanting to be the first commission to address a serious issue with one of its own.
If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
The problem used to be Mullins, but now it is the ENTIRE Commission, and it is pathetic and an embarrassment to our County. Most Republicans are NOT stupid and when election times come around will NOT forget this shitshow. As a former politician and leader in my former community, this was unheard of.
This embarrassing show of incompetence is huge and real.
I can only put forth one guess, and that would be that the commissioners are more afraid of Mullins financial power, combined with his insanity, than they are concerned for the image and damage being done to OUR community, and the commission’s inability to perform the duties of their oath and office.
I guess it will be up to us, the people, to do the job on election day that they refuse to do as elected officials of the people.
On the other hand, one possible shimmering light just might be getting people off their butts to vote when the opportunity arrives.
steve says
Didnt know that along with and amongst other things Wisdom in the Golden Years were a set of dried up little raisins down below so a disgruntled lil piss ant can tarnish your County and local Politics some more. I would suspect these ole timers enjoy the DRAMA cuz it distracts from the fact they get nothing done. Good luck
Get real says
Five hours of my life that I will never get back, but even that tiny breadcrumb of justice made it worth the wait. Shame on Sullivan for calling for an adjournment to avoid talk of censure. Shame on Mullins for voting on the motion to censure (him!) At least the record will show that Mullins was finally admonished publicly by his peers. The process that followed, however choreographed, memorialized what the people have been calling for, but this time in a formal setting. The corruption continues….
John the Baptist says
The result of the Mullins censure was predictable. Commissioner’s Sullivan and O’brien showed their true colors and lack of spine to do the right thing and censor Mullins. And, yes, Mullins will be elected as the next chairman of the BOCC. Of course, O’brien has not been reelected yet. Let’s pray he gets defeated.
Dedicated American says
Joe Mullins was the deciding vote on the censor? How can he vote on an issue that is about him? As always he is the deciding vote. This has to go to Governor DeSantis NOW!
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Yep Dedicated American , Violation F.S. 112.143.6
yapos says
Mullins should have filed Florida Ethics Commission Form 8-B and abstained from the vote. Who is going to file a Florida Ethics Commission Complaint? Since when can one vote on an item that is about themself? He personally gained by his vote by saving his own ass. Yes, DeSantis needs to get involved NOW and he needs to abolish the useless Ethics Commission that just sucks up tax dollars to do little to nothing.
Denali says
While I agree 100% that Mullins should not have participated in the vote, his vote was not the deciding factor. Without his vote, the result would have been a tie. As a motion must carry a majority to succeed, with a tie vote, the motion failed.
His voting for himself in this situation only serves to show his total disregard for the rule of law.
40 days – vote like your life depends on it, because it does.
erobot says
Nevermind the school boy fight in the playground, why is there no social distancing among those in the audience?
DON'T JUST TALK THE TALK WALK THE WALK! says
Well folks, now you have witnessed before your very eyes the theatrics of this commission, Mullins had to be called out by one of our members in our community Mr. Cocchiola, thank you, for him to wear a mask when everyone in the entire meeting including Mullins entourage was wearing one, mind boggling isn’t it? It was obvious that if had he not been called out he would have continued with his defiant a–hole behavior. I was disgusted as I sat there and watched Sullivan with his flipping of his back hand to people in our community, actions speak louder than words, after they had spoken you can see that he was the LEAST bit interested as he abruptly waved people off the podium telling them to hurry and be ready for public comment, I was happy when Jane Gentile Youd called him out to LISTEN! Can’t blame it all on Mullins for his arrogant hostile behavior at least he admits he has a problem, and people will get away with as much as one allows. Get out and vote their butts out even if it’s just one at a time!
David says
Well i suppose if we try to protest this outcome we will be arrested for felonies?
Roy Longo says
So Obrien defends Mullins by quoting the bible about not throwing stones then turns around and throws those stones at Hansen, who by the way was a victim of Mullins threats. In my 30 years in this county I have never seen County Commissioners act this way. The only one with any class is Commissioner Erikson, and unfortunately we will be losing him. This is appalling.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
Al ‘Hapless’ Hadeed has a huge part in this pre-arranged set up to help his narcistic buddy Mullins . Letting Joe vote on his own fate is an out and out violation of Florida Statute 112.3143(6) – but we know what Hadeed’s entire legal ‘advice’ comes from his rambling mouth and not the LAW. He has condoned and made excuses, as has Sullivan for Mullins using his county position as Commissioner and via county e-mail server to threaten constituents with personal lawsuits, insane gag orders, defamation which are all public record and which put the county into a position of being SUED…
But hey we all know that for all his asinine blah blah 2 days after being served with the Captains equally asinine lawsuit – with their illegal lease as their only exhibit -he farmed this lawsuit out to his pals – Roper law firm and has to date paid $71,311 legal fees to them to ‘defend’ us… He is as corrupt as Mullins in my opinion, because no attorney who outsources a stupid frivolous lawsuit has any business threatening and ‘warning’ the commissioners to not take into consideration the affected property owner’s objections to a back door 100 page slopped Plat approval.
In fact a county attorney should not open their mouths on a quasi-judicial issues UNLESS ASKED – just listen to his waffling and self anointing speech(es). He spends his time and his $676,000 budget ( soon to be $880,000) doing what he wants and that includes protecting a commissioner who has ‘ allegedly committed perjury – a third degree felony ono his CARES ACT for swearing in writing, under penalty of perjury, his ‘Florida Home Based’ business which is a Georgia Domestic business with Joe’s August address not Flagler County. CARES Act puts me on hold every time I call-per instructions from Hadeed I am sure.
MULLINS and HADEED both need to go -and O’BRIEN can take his stones and ‘prostitutes’ with him when ( hopefully) he loses his seat in a few weeks!
Sullivan? We’re stuck aren’t we with a first class coward.
Phew – I am tired of writing and you all must be tired of listening and reading so God Bless us all and stay safe and please wear your masks….Amen
GM2 says
It was not restricted to the commission meeting. I personally heard Mullins insulting Hansen about his weight in the presence of Melissa Holland. Also asking her if they had met and discussed how they were going to “deal with” Sheriff Staley. This all occurred in public at the Elks 9/11 ceremony. Totally inappropriate. The other commissioners need to grow a backbone and get rid of this inappropriate loudmouth
whathehck says
It is up to the commissioners to impose the mask rule so what can you expect from the spineless bunch.
As a citizen I offer my sincere apologies to Commissioners Hansen and Ericksen for having to suffer humiliation and vulgar bullying from a low-life that happens to also be a Commissioner. Thank you to the offended men for showing some class by not going down in the scum with the bag. A small little speck of a man has to prove to himself he is somebody,. If it wasn’t for buying politicians (cheaply) he would have remained a nobody. In his little mind he is great because his name is in the papers.
I did love the O’Brien’s reference to the prostitute, if the glove fits…… Could be 2 different right gloves in this case.
JimBob says
They say you get the government you deserve. If so, Flagler County must have some egregiously sinful past.
Ken Murphy says
Hey Flagler,
Is this the best we can do ?
Isn’t time to elect a new generation of leaders who respect science, equity, and justice ?
Or is Flagler always gonna Flagler?
Disgusted PC Resident says
Embarrassed to live here.
Might not much longer.
steve says
Get OUT while the getting is good. Houses sell like rockets going off. This County headed in the wrong direction. One more empty lot and a Sister to remove.Good Luck
Susie moya says
These guys represent 100,000 constituent taxpayers. I can’t believe that any of them are worthy overseeing their family”spurse let alone our counties well-being. I’m embarrassed and I hope that they realize how unworthy their behavior is for the good of our county. The elections this year are just as bad. Can’t we do better?
ENOUGH says
It’s not Flagler County itself which is bad, this is still a very desirable and beautiful place to live for all. It’s the politics and some of the people who are on these commissions for ALL OF THE WRONG REASONS and took advantage of the privilege of being elected to work for their own means. This is the very essence of the reason that they must be voted out, they are power hungry money driven corrupt individuals who use their position to only benefit themselves. O’Brien needs to be voted out period. Corinne Hermle is the lady to replace Ericksen, she is a young fresh blood candidate , she is a scientist, flawless credentials, no baggage, born and raised here Floridian, respects the citizens in this community, respects the environment and concerned about quality of life for us all. RESPECT is the name of the game here!
Snoopy says says
Flagler County Residents we have to DEMAND the Commissioners to have Joe Mullins tested for drugs.
C’mon man says
Sucks I had to sit through 6 boring hours listening to people bitch about a housing development just for this. I thought he’d be gone.