TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A new Ethics Officer was named to Tallahassee's Ethics Board on Thursday evening.
The Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board unanimously voted to make an offer of employment to Dwight Floyd to serve as the next Independent Ethics Officer.
Shortly following the Board’s meeting, Mr. Floyd accepted the offer. Officials say he will be a full-time city employee earning an annual salary of $90,000.
This comes after Keith Powell, who was supposed to assume the position resigned before he even started.
Powell's resignation Monday follows the resurfacing of former controversial tweets.
He was supposed to start next week.
After an unexpected turn of events Monday Tallahassee's Independent Ethics Board was once again trying to fill their vacant Ethics officer position.
"It's unfortunate what happened, but we're confident that we have another excellent candidate in Mr. Floyd, said Julie Meadows Keefe.
Last month the board offered Keith Powell the position which he accepted.
But after Powell's tweets seeming to be critical of the homosexual lifestyle and the Democratic party resurfaced he resigned.
Meadows Keefe says they ask questions during the interview process so they can avoid situations like this.
"The board did ask if we google you What are we going to find in an attempt to kind of draw out any possible information," said Meadows Keefe.
Thursday's meeting was a packed-house as community members discussed the vetting process.
Reverend Joe Parramore said anyone that has a particular bias should not be considered.
"If it's discovered that there is then that's a problem," said Reverend Joe Parramore
In a statement regarding his resignation Powell says:
"Be it political thought, theological beliefs, or your favorite sports team, I have always strived to work alongside those who may, in many ways, disagree with my own beliefs and thoughts while we accomplish the work required."
Many Board members did say despite not agreeing with Powell they respect him and wish him the best.
The board isn't sure when the Floyd's start date will be but say he is expected to start in February.
Mr. Floyd is currently retired, having served 34 years with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. For 30 of those years,Floyd served as staff for the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
“I am honored to have the support of the Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board, and I look forward to serving this community as its next Independent Ethics Officer,” said Floyd. “The recent changes to the city’s ethics code set a high standard for Tallahassee, and I am eager to get to work.”
“Today signals a new day for the Ethics Board,” said Bryan F. Smith, Chair of the Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board. “Under the leadership of Mayor John Dailey, the City Commission, and our past Chair Richard Herring, the city’s ethics code was recently expanded, making it among the most expansive in Florida.” Smith continued, “These important changes give our Board the proper tools to ensure the people of Tallahassee have the city government they deserve. I look forward to Mr. Floyd taking us forward.”
Meadows Keefe says despite recent events she still plans to leave on February 18.
