BHA

I have included two letters (below) that I received concerning news that David Pugh, Jr. has once again requested four Brooksville Housing Board members submit resignations by noon today. Mayor Pugh's letter to Brooksville Housing Board member, Jeanette Soto, did not indicate that she had violated any rules or procedures, only that he wanted a more "cohesive board". Has the Brooksville Housing Authority had their controversy over the last 18 months? Yes, they have, but some of the blame lies at the doorstep of the Brooksville City Council for not asserting their authority during the indictments and convictions of two previous employees of the Brooksville Housing Authority.

Mr. Pugh was quoted in the Hernando Times last Friday as saying, "I really think a new group of board members can go in, review day-to-day operations and report back." Report back to him? Wasn't the mayor paying attention to the letter from HUD that clearly stated Brooksville Housing Authority members cannot interfere with day-to-day operations which are not the duties of the Brooksville Housing Authority board members. HUD clearly stated that Brooksville Housing Board members cannot interfere with day-to-day operations to micromanage the housing authority. Their main concern is the oversight of their executive director, Mr. Ronnie McLean. If the Brooksville City council wanted a more cohesive board then they should have immediately appointed a seventh member after the resignation of previous board member. This appointment of a seventh member would have aided in the democratic process of the BHA board meetings to prevent tie votes and assist in "more cohesive meetings".

This letter is from Mayor David Pugh to Mrs. Jeanette Soto, Brooksville Housing Authority member:

Dear Mrs.Soto:

The City of Brooksville acknowledges that public service is the foundation and backbone of our community. Furthermore, the City commends your efforts in attempting to make Brooksville a better place to live.

As you are aware, the Brooksville Housing Authority (BHA) has been mired in controversy for several months. I attempted to remedy the problem the BHA has been experiencing through the appointment of new members. Unfortunately, it does not appear that the current composition of the BHA has been effective in administering its duties.

I have spent many hours contemplating how this matter should be addressed, and it is with a heavy heart that I must respectfully request that you resign from your position on the Brooksville Housing Authority, as I believe that new members must be appointed to ensure the cohesive operation of the BHA.

I have enclosed a Letter of Resignation. Please sign the Letter of Resignation where indicated, and return it to the City Manager no later than 12:00 PM., Monday, December 3, 2007.

It is my sincere hope that you will consider this action as an attempt by the City to avoid further distractions, and not as a reflection on you personally.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

David Pugh, Mayor

This letter is from Jeanette Soto to the Brooksville City Council:



December 1, 2007

Honorable Mayor, David Pugh, and City Council Members
201 Howell Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34601

RE: Brooksville Housing Authority Board

Dear Mayor Pugh and City Council Members:

This letter is to request a formal hearing before the entire City Council regarding the Mayor’s request for my resignation as a member on the Brooksville Housing Authority Board.

The Mayor called me Thursday afternoon, November 29, 2007 to advise me that he was sending me a voluntary letter of resignation from the BHA Board for my signature. He assured me numerous times during the call that, “I had done nothing wrong, nor had I caused any trouble.” After receiving this letter and carefully considering the Mayor’s request, I have decided that I will not resign from the Board. Having done nothing wrong, there is no reason for me to resign. I intend to complete the term of office to which I was appointed and to continue to serve the residents of the Community.

It is not clear to me whether the Mayor was acting alone or with the support of the City Council. Accordingly, if the City Council desires my resignation, I request the opportunity to address the Council in a formal hearing.

Please inform me of a date and time for a hearing to fully discuss this matter.

Sincerely,



Jeanette R. Soto, Commissioner
Brooksville Housing Authority Board


Cc: Jennene Norman-Vacha, City Manager
John G. Niesz, Director, HUD Office of Public Housing
Hernando Times
Hernando Today