Jose Rodriguez Fabiani had no idea what he was doing. He was filling out papers at the Supervisor of Elections’ counter last week to run as a write-in candidate in a County Commission race. He’d been put up to it. “What office am I seeking? District 3?” he actually asked as he was filling out paperwork he had to redo a couple of times. He didn’t even know.
But Dennis McDonald told him. Yes, that McDonald. “He got me out of the house to do this,” Fabiani said to no one in particular, as if embarrassed by the whole thing. Of course he did.
McDonald is the fact-challenged perennial loser who couldn’t win an election (he lost four local elections by my count). He was now using Fabiani, or at least showing him what to fill in, where to fill in, to ensure that Nick Klufas and Bill Clark don’t win the County Commission’s District 3 race, either.
Klufas and Clark are two moderate Republicans, and too moderate Republicans for the MAGA sort McDonald shills for–in this case, Kim Carney. She’s the third candidate in the race. Since no Democrats or independents filed to run, it would have been an open primary. Every voter from any party or no party would have been eligible to cast a ballot, because the election would have been decided in the primary.
That would have been bad news for Carney: non-Republicans would have voted more substantially for Klufas, and for Clark to a lesser extent (he’s less known), reducing Carney’s chances. That’s what happened when she lost to Dave Sullivan in 2020. In a closed Republican primary, all Democrats, independents and small-party voters are eliminated, and as always in either party’s primaries, the more extreme wing of the voting party holds sway.
How to get there? Exploit the write-in loophole: if a write-in qualifies, that means the election will be “contested” in the general election. That means the primary must be closed. Doesn’t matter if the write-in couldn’t tell you the difference between a district and a dish rag. Doesn’t matter if the write-in has no intention of campaigning, raising money, going to forums, let alone contesting the seat, as Fabiani clearly does not. The primary is closed.
Klufas himself was told before qualifying ended that McDonald, who’s contributed to Carney’s campaign, was on the hunt for a sacrificial schmuck, so Klufas wasn’t surprised. Days earlier Michael McElroy pulled off the same schmuckery for his fellow-Trump Club conniver Ed Danko in the District 3 race, where Danko would have had a hard time beating Pam Richardson with Richardson pulling the bulk of moderates. (McElroy is listed as the Trump Club president. Danko is its PR chair.)
The whole write-in allowance is a fraud, starting with the special treatment granted write-in candidates in a state where not a single write-in candidate has won. Ever.
To run for the County Commission as a legitimate candidate, you could either secure 954 valid petitions or pay a $4,200 qualifying fee (6 percent of the current salary of $69,900). Write-ins don’t have to turn in a single petition. They don’t have to pay anything. They don’t even have to have a clue about the County Commission or the elections. They can just show up with a handler directing them where to fill in the blanks and how.
And just like that, without any effort, without a single intention to run a campaign, Fabiani and McElroy, obvious mercenaries for others’ campaigns, each disenfranchised 47,687 Flagler County.
Notably, Andy Dance and Fernando Melandez, two Republicans and the only candidates in the District 1 County Commission race, have chosen not to take part in that kind of scams, because they’re not that kind of people. Their primary will be open to all voters.
McElroy and Fabiani of course haven’t raised a dime. McElroy hasn’t even bothered with a bio at his Supervisor of Elections page. Fabiano still filled out his information inaccurately: there is no “100 Seaside Dr.” in Flagler Beach, as listed on his candidate page at the Supervisor of Elections’ website. He is homesteaded at 100 Seaside Point, a property on which he pays no taxes. Maybe he is trying to hide the fact that he listed the property for sale a little over a month ago, which raises the curious possibility of a write-in running after he no longer owns property here. He describes a solid military career. “Chief Warrant Officer Five Jose R. Rodriguez-Fabiani” was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 2017, though he doesn’t mention that in his brief bio.
Why Fabiani would associate himself with McDonald is a mystery. Why anyone would associate themselves with McDonald, Carney included, raises questions about judgment and ethics. But it’s worth remembering who is behind disenfranchising voters.
McDonald is the man who, as a leader of the extremist and law-breaking group then known as the Ronald Reagan Republican Assemblies, teamed up with a couple of his colleagues to slander the reputations of county officials by making “knowingly false” ethics commission complaints, in the commission’s own words. He couldn’t beat them at the ballot box. So he lied about them. The state tossed the complaints and fined him.
He kept at it, associating himself with Kim Weeks, the former elections supervisor, now a felon many times over. In 2019 the Ethics Commission accused him of “complete disregard for law” and fined him again. By 2020 the state commission declared him in contempt over $80,000 in fines–which he still owes Flagler County government, not including additional interest.
As for McElroy, he ran for a school board seat in 2014 against Trevor Tucker, losing by 58 votes. An amiable sort, he then associated himself with Ed Danko and his Trump Club. Enough said. But those are the characters who have summarily suppressed 51 percent of the electorate.
Legislators could easily introduce a ballot amendment that, with voters’ approval, would close the loophole. They’ve refused, because in this one-party state, Republicans have no reason to weaken a slimy, cynical strategy that so often helps them defeat the moderate, the reasonable, the democratic.
Pierre Tristam is the editor of FlaglerLive. A version of this piece airs on WNZF.
Laurel says
They should call their party the Trump Party, but if they did that, they wouldn’t stand a chance in hell, so they fool the Republican voters, and cheat all other voters. That’s the only way they can win. Lie and cheat.
Republicans should be the people who should be the angriest. My husband is angry at this unethical behavior, and I, as an Independent, is also angry at the lies and divisions.
Republicans! Take back your party from these thieves! Stop this takeover of your lives, bodies, minds, loves and laws. Show them you are on to them, and toss them aside.
Sherry says
Right On, Laurel! Historically these are “extreme right winged/tea party” people who will not let ethics or cheating hold them back from grabbing power where ever they can. Please, if you care about morals or character at all, vote against Carney and Fabiani !
Preston says
Dennis has a problem, he believes he isn’t accountable for any of the dirty tricks he’s spent the last couple of decades doing. And until he is actually held accountable, nothing will change. He thrives on the notoriety.
Just imagine if he’d used those powers for the good of the community.
Deborah Coffey says
If only they would, Laurel. I can’t wrap my mind about all these Americans that continually vote against their own interests. I refuse to believe that that millions of Americans are that stupid. Then again, millions of Germans voted for Hitler…and weren’t aghast…until they were.
Steve says
What? Republicans trying to steal an election! Say it isn’t so. After all the furor over the 2020 election.
NJ says
Palm Coast is built in a Pine SWAMP and too many have become SWAMP SCUM!! BEWARE!
Nancy N. says
The Republican party is mass disenfranchising voters? Shocking. (Not.)
This is how democracy dies…one cut at a time.
Hippy says
What rock did that Turd Dennis crawl out from under? Glad he is again part of one of your editorials. He does not represent Republicans. He and his wife for that matter represent lunacy.
Klufas is Klulas says
Klufas is no republican. He is a Democrat posing as a republican. Ask him what happened to his golden running issue…socalized internet services using Flaglers existing high speed network. That was his main running issue last time. Klufas has never stood for or accomplished anything. Good riddance!!
Gail says
Well Tristan and I finally agree on something. Dennis is the slime at the bottom of the bucket that was used as a potty for thee tree sloths at the zoo.
Joe D says
OMG….I could SWEAR this article was describing the election fraud in Chicago 100 years ago!
And REPUBLICANS have the NERVE to accuse DEMOCRATS of stealing the 2020 election! This whole situation (even though it may be TECHNICALLY legal)…is just an ABDOMINAL manipulation of the County Elections, and a SLAP in the face of ALL HONEST Flagler County voters.
I’m really having a nasty taste in my mouth about Florida Politics….are we sure this isn’t 1924!?!
Celia Pugliese says
Way before any of Pierre’s editorial were written or published, we, the one’s affected in this city by the years of IT Mr. Klufas in the council and us the residents enduring his vote, for up zoning, rezoning for higher density approving from 5.5 units per acre to up to 29 units per acre and killing our resort destination that would recover our 371 local hospitality jobs (Harborside ) plus his 150 ft cell towers @ 150 feet from our homes but not his in Grand Haven. His no to FPD traffic islands, No to Cimmaron safety items, we were going to vote for Kim Carney, Pam Richardson and Fernando Melendez in the county commission because we just need change, months ago when they declared their candidacies and nothing to do with the right ins. We hope they get elected to work along LeAnne Pennington in the commission as she’s been the Lone Ranger so far trying what she could for us. We can only hope.
This time I have to disagree with you Pierre as you mentioned Kim Weeks, an honest SOE that was elected and re-elected by landslide and that I can attest of her honesty while I worked for many years as an elections Precinct Clerk originally recruited by Peggy Border. Kim Weeks is no felon to me, but a big un justice done to her instead over political reasons and not unusual to see in a red state with a Democrat constitutional official and not the only case. Her error probably was not to use the whistle blower protection. Regarding Mr. McDonald he has been always battling for us and with us, even trying to save our beloved canopy of trees in Palm Coast Parkway thou the system, unfortunately for us, won. But with him and Lou Vitale we won our costly battle against Klufas cell towers 150 ft from our homes. After we defeated the cell towers in the PHGC and nearby, Flukas in his profile still threatening us all while lying about improved service, with: “We have substantially improved cell phone reception within the City and it could be even better if we had a majority of our council willing to vote for an additional tower on our golf course identified by our Master plan. That would have a direct result on cell phone service on this side of the bridge, so please lobby my fellow Council Members to get on board” plenty reasons to NO Flukas. Furthermore Flukas disrespect for our elderly FPD leader and Veteran pleading for over ten years to council Mr, Steven Carr. If these right ins are legal and according to the current laws then I think we can be “barking” at the wrong tree and shouldn’t be a reason for scorning those involved as is their right so to do. Trump aside, locally we need change whether close primary or not. In Flagler County we have almost double Reps registered than Dems so all GOP candidates will have their chances to be elected within their GOP electorate. This is my personal opinion as a resident of Palm Coast since 1991 and I do believe we can agree to disagree.
E Glynn says
Pierre, what’s to stop independents and democrats from switching party affiliation and ensuring the non maga loses?
tulip says
why hasn’t the law been changed so that write ins can’t sign up, or be charged around 4,000 to do so. It is not fair to the candidates running a legitimate race. Seems like nothing is fair and honest anymore and bad wins over good. I guess it’s the Republican way these days
Pierre Tristam says
Nothing. That’s what I did. It’s the responsible thing to do in our little totalitarian county.
Backslapping Commission says
Klufas is Kulfas: don’t let the tesla fool ya, it’s all optics with Klufas, he has
voted yes on every development agenda that passed his way on the city board
not caring about irresponsible overgrowth and our poor infrastructure, his
Grand Haven people are very disappointed with him, just take a drive down
Colbert Lane with the massive homes built looks more like the burbs then
once beautiful old Florida, not much tree scape left, he has spoken very
poorly at a city council meeting about a decorated senior veteran who tirelessly
has been fighting for 10 years for some kind of traffic calming on Florida Park
Drive for the safety health and welfare of our citizens and I believe I read somewhere
Klufas saying that people knew they moved next a high traffic street blah blah blah.
Remember folks if they did nothing while they were on a city seat, WTH are they
going to do on a county seat???? Don’t vote for incombents and don’t vote for the
SOS!
I Just Love Flagler Beach says
Agree, that’s what my husband and I did.
NJ says
YES, Flagler County is controlled like the CCP controls China! Also, Read: 1984—Flagler County is 1984
JoB says
Call me a RINO. Did the switcheroo two years ago.
Tired of it says
With all due respect, anyone who thinks McDonald and Kim Weeks are upstanding citizens has been drinking the Kool Aid too long. Klufas is not perfect but he has tried, time and again, to bring this city forward . As for why there are almost no independent or Democratic candidates running…it is because everyone realizes that no matter how bad a Republican candidate is, the sheep will vote for them. That is how we need up with Mullins, Danko, Alfin, Flurry, and Chong, tonnage a few. Everyone of them an example of incompetence and ignorance.
tulip says
There should be a law against write ins. Or, if it is allowed the write in candidate should have to pay the $4000 plus fee to do so. Bad seems to rule over good lately
Justbob says
Has there been an attempt to interview Fabiani? There may be a story behind how this seemly hapless dude became a candidate. How did it come to be? Was there a quid pro quo?
David Meeks says
God you people…Please stop getting all your beliefs from the media….
Be American. Be proud. Stand together & get this county fixed. No political party is going to do this. We the PEOPLE!
Protonbeam says
Glad you brought up the cell towers – McDonald and vitlae led that charge with more lies, corruption and mud slinging – win at any cost, eh, you and the lying nimby crowd don’t give two shits about anyone or anything other than yourselves
Let me piss on that tea your drinking..... says
Ok,
Do you understand now why you don’t vote for Danko.
He’s dishonest asshole, he thinks he is Trump. Using some left wing tactics that the Trump Club/old Tea Party club to promote the example of the Republican Party. This behavior is not Republican and does not reflect the real Republicans view point.
Vote no to Danko! Danko gotta go!
DaleL says
Many people “join” organizations in order to be able to participate. I would be a “Republican”, but there would be consequences from my wife. There are also cities and counties in which Democrats dominate. In a similar manner, Republicans in heavily Democrat locations need to register as Democrats to have a meaningful impact in the elections.
Our founders never anticipated political parties. There is nothing in our Constitution concerning political parties. I think general elections would be far better if the prominent political identifiers were not on the ballot. Without that “R” or “D” by the name, a lot of voters would be just as clueless as Jose Rodriguez Fabiani.
Endless Dark Money says
raise money as representation is for sale and if you didnt pay them they aren’t representing you. Sad but true.
Celia Pugliese says
“Gail” I am really shocked at your despicable description of a good Palmcoaster that help us trying to preserve the beauty of the city were we bought, our safety and attends city council meetings fighting for us. What about your full name, no good punching and hide.
Celia Pugliese says
Our opposition to Councilman Flukas cell towers , 150ft high and 150/200 feet from our homes but none inside his Grand Gated Haven, had nothing to do with NIMBY but with the safety and protection of ours and our children’s health and the value of our homes. The lies of better cell phone reception is been ticking those plagued by ignorance and special interest. My old Blaukpunt mastodont of 1991 had better reception than any of Klufas lies he achieved for us…and about the same lies that his Palm Coast costly Fiber Optic Cable was during his campaign platform.
We do not need to fund anymore unreachable goals (or 33 millions plus pickle ball courts) but the bare reality of our needs of today. So is a NO to Klufas for us whether closed or open primaries he has the chances to be elected as anyone else running…Before addressing anymore your harsh unfair descriptions and to make clear that this county has a very impressive past and to contest some of Pierre’s editorial excerpts: https://www.votersopinion.com/2016/11/27/the-dirtiest-little-county-in-florida-starring-tallahassee-lawyer-mark-herron-part-2/
Judith Michaud says
Well stated! ANYONE who still associates with MAGA or Trump is clearly in denial of his corruption or loves his criminal activity. He has always been a con and always will be! A jury of his peers convicted him on 34 felony counts and these people still don’t get it. Clearly, this attempted fraud shows us that the Republicans have to cheat to win! They should all be ashamed of themselves ! We need to vote out ALL MAGAS and get our county back to what it was 20 years ago, when we all worked together !
Celia Pugliese says
I am wondering why some hide behind alias to attack cowardly and form anonymity those of us that don’t. What you have to worry so much about? Lets seat down at the table show our faces and discuss these items with real facts, civility and free influence from special interest. Is for some driving a Tesla moving the city forward? Is funding 33 millions in pickle ball courts but not helping with $50,000/year the closure of the Belle Terre Swim Club by the 3 in the school board to over 1,110 Palmcoasters members users, moving the city forward? Some of those Palmcoasters young and old with special needs, elderly or children from limited income families that can only afford that membership to keep the kids off the street in this super hot long summers? But Mr. Klufas moves the city forward. Is the failed grandeur of the very costly own city Fiber Optic cable (that we warned him was to be left to the big boys) not competing so far with big boy Metronet and incoming ATT, moving the city forward? His vote to yes the original costly and failed Splash Pad for the kids to move the city forward,? Why there was not more involvement to see was being done right? Hopefully with the new 3 millions assigned will reopen…but when? Good question for someone moving the city forward. His vote to erase forever our Harborside resort destination killing the 371 hospitality jobs there, moving the city forward?There is more but I am getting ready for a refreshing lemonade and not your derogatory Kool Aid.
Laurel says
Deborah Coffey: I can only think of two reasons: 1.) The white man’s fear of losing the apex position, and 2.) These people cannot believe that anyone can lie to them so blatantly, so they believe them. The don’t believe their SS or Medicare will be taken away, even though Republicans have repeatedly stated they would.
At some point, I think, I hope, real Republicans will see where this is all headed, and will vote against all this MAGA and sell out crap. Democrats and Independents need to run, regardless. We will see no change unless Democrats and Independents at least try to run. Maybe then, real Republicans will run again. Right now, the Grand Old Party barely exists.
Laurel says
NJ: Pines grow on higher, dry, sandy land. However, some of PC is also built in swamp areas.
protonbeam says
I am not speaking for or against any candidates -So you use your cell phone and dont care its next to someones elses house apparently, so you are nimby. –so keep lying to yourself just stop trying to lie to me. Anyone who thinks Dennis MCdonald is “good people” is nuts. Your first comment said it all “the value of your home” – you only care about yourself and to hell with the rest of the community.
protonbeam says
and I need to say THANK GOODNESS for Pierre and Flagler Live – most of us would have never know the shady and dirty tricks people are up to in this county without his relentless pursuit of news, information and truth! I may not agree all the time with FL, but have to give respect where it is due.
protonbeam says
Dirty Danko has got to go – what a racist liar he is – dirty dirty man.
Diane Robin Costa says
Bring this to the attention of the state ethics committee AGAIN!!!
Maybe Dennis McDonald needs to serve a little time behind bars before he can learn his lesson.
Perhaps the county can place a lien on his property until he covers all of his fines.
We The People are SICK OF THIS!!!
I don’t care what political party you support…this is DISGUSTING BEHAVIOR.
Olive says
So cheating is ok with you? Unless, of corse, it’s happening to Trump or your candidates.
Bonnie says
If you don’t want more development, do NOT vote for Danko.
NJ says
Pines NEED a lot of water, therefore they like growing in a SWAMP! Oaks like drier land! Trees 101
NJ says
Now, if FlaglerLive would report about the “Dirty Tricks” WINRED (a PAC for Republicans) uses to take”extra donations” from people who make ONE TIME donation to a Republican! Check Out: “North Texas Man VICTIM of WINRED SCAM”–a Report by CBS about how WINRED Took $15,000.00 from a man and how CBS Forced the RNC & Texas GOP to return the man’s $15,000.00! Has any one in Flagler County been SCAMMED by the WINRED “Dirty Trick” Credit Card Donation System??? If you are a WINRED Victim, please contact FlaglerLive and WKMG-TV (Orlando.com)
Sherry says
Where would Flagler county be without the excellent investigative journalism of Pierre and the entire award winning Flaglerlive team? Again, Pierre and Flaglerlive deserve sincere appreciation for keeping the community aware of the dastardly political cheating and gamesmanship happening all too often in Flagler! Thank You Pierre!
Celia Pugliese says
To you and Tired here and I support only candidates to resolve our local issues. I couldn’t care less about Trump and his MAGAS I just care for local candidates to resolve our problems!. If they like Trump or not is not something I associate with…Almost most candidates running are Reps or turned Reps in a read state otherwise their chances are very remote to be elected, We need to concentrate on those that are enduring our same problems and are running for office to try and resolve them. Live Trump out of it…please. We are talking city, county , school board., senator and congressman in FL and not DC. Is not a fraud is the current law, about right ins…if do not like it ask Tallahasse or whoever to change it. By the way use your names as anonymous punches not very fair dont feel intimidated to do so. C’mon.
Celia Pugliese says
Is legal by the current law..so then were’s the cheating?
Celia Pugliese says
protonbeam …Still hiding behind an aka and punching very cowardly! Speaks for itself. Against the crll towers first is the value of our lives and health then the value of our homes. Why don’t you ask your favorite Counxilman Flukas why none inside his Grand Haven Gated HOA? Some evil and selective Wireless Master Plan he worked !!
Celia Pugliese says
Olive I am not a Trumper or agree with any favors given to him, if so. I am just concerned with local issues as we have enough of those and no need to get involved too yet, with the DC troubles.
Celia Pugliese says
Agreed Bonnie!
Laurel says
Celia: Shame on you for calling commenters “cowards” simply because they don’t conform to your specific standards. Who are you to determine? All you need to know is that these people are consistent in their comments, and not bots. There are people here who are in law enforcement, teachers, professionals, and just plain local folk. Flagler Live is good with it, and they decide, not you.
Catherine says
Is it still legal if the write in candidate was given the $4000? It would be interesting to see where that came from as his buddy McDonald owes the county some money. It’s been so long I’ve lost track, what happens if he never pays it?
Laurel says
Au contraire NJ, Pines have a large, deep tap root allowing them to go deeper for their water. They cannot survive for long in standing water, such as a swamp. The soil must be able to drain for them to survive. Oaks, on the other hand, have a shallower root system, and prefer a muckier soil. That is why you tend to find them somewhat near water, but they, too, cannot stand in water for too long. They do not like dry, sandy soil, and have been known to topple over in a hurricane if the sand was too dry. Pines and oaks can, and do, live together in certain areas, but you will see that one or the other will dominate according to the soil composition.
By driving around Flagler County, you can see the difference. Out by US1, I can tell by looking at the area that it was once scrub land. Scub land is higher and dryer, and tends to have a silica composition. Unfortunately for the scub flora and fauna, this made it perfect for planting and growing pines for cultivation. Those areas have a lower water table. Scub land can be found around many parts of Florida, but it is usually developed as it is easier to do so. Such preserved scrub land can be found in Everglades National Park (Flamingo) and Jonathon Dickinson State Park in Jupiter. These areas are loaded with pines such as slash pine, long leaf pine, sand pine and loblolly pine. In south Florida, if you peel away bits of pine bark, you will find baby scorpions, and scorpions tend to like dry areas.
While still driving around Flagler County, go to Washington Oaks State Park. There you will find the Live Oaks. You will see that oaks tend to like to be closer to water, and there are artesian spring ponds throughout the park, where the water table is much closer to the surface. This is what is known as a Maritime Hammock. Where there is water, there are oaks.
Class dismissed.
protonbeam says
You see corruption in everything but yourself – see the dilemma, well of course you don’t. I could say its corrupt (because it actually was) the way you fought it. Fake drawings of the Statue of Liberty superimposed over the neighborhood that MCdonald and Vitale shilled around the neighboorhood. Lying to neighbors. Telling fake stories. But it wasn’t, it was just lies and evil intent. The tower was placed in a public plan through a public process – because the PH golf course IS PUBLIC LAND – although its increases the value of your property and you treat it as your private asset at the expense of everyone else — sooo. like grandma used to say – cant argue with stupid.
protonbeam says
YES! Thanks to the tireless efforts of Pierre and Cheryl for serving our community
Ski says
Finally some common sense on this comment string. If people don’t like it, move to a blue state or county. Pretty simple. And changing your party affiliation is just as bad, if not worse than a Write-In. Both are loopholes. Sounds pretty hypocritical to me.