HUD letter

Yesterday, I read the editorial page of the Hernando Times in reference to the Brooksville Housing Authority. Apparently their editorial staff of the Times was not privy to a letter, dated November 13, 2007, from John Niesz, director of Office of Public Housing, Jacksonville Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The content of that editorial may have been different had they been informed on the latest developments with the Brooksville Housing Authority. This letter was sent to all five members of the Brooksville Housing Authority, Mayor David Pugh and the Executive Director, Ronnie McLean by certified mail.

The subject line of Mr. Niesz's letter referred to the inappropriate actions by some members of the Brooksville Housing Authority Board and underscored the importance of providing the necessary training of all board members. This letter specifically referred to emails and demands by board members, Earl Watkins and Paul Douglas, that exceeded the purview of their role as commissioners on the Brooksville Housing Board. This letter clearly defines the role of the Brooksville Housing Authority Commissioner and strongly suggests board training to properly inform the Brooksville Housing Commissioners on their duties and responsibilities as board members.

It appears that the majority of the Brooksville Housing Authority Board has been acting in good faith in spite of the micro-managing by Mr. Watkins and Mr. Douglas. Hopefully, the media will read up on this latest development for the Jacksonville office of HUD before making any further recommendations about the demise of "entire" Brooksville Housing Authority Board.