Is the job fix scandal at the Mosquito Control Board finally over? In a report signed by the State Ethics Commission on Feb. 2, the Commission ruled that there was no probable cause to believe that Mosquito Control Commissioners Steve Smith and Bill Shaw broke the law when they voted to use public money to defend themselves, as Commissioners, against a lawsuit filed by former Assistant Mosquito Control Director Dennis Wardlow. During their election campaigns in 1996, both Smith and Shaw charged that Wardlow's job at Mosquito Control had been "fixed" as a political favor. At the time of his hiring, Wardlow was mayor of Key West.
Smith and Shaw promised that, if elected, they would "unfix" the job. Both were elected by wide margins. They subsequently voted with Commissioner Joan Lord Papy to abolish the assistant director job. Wardlow sued and filed an ethics complaint. The suit was subsequently dropped as part of an out-of-court settlement. Now the ethics complaint has been dismissed.
"I'm glad this is finally over," Shaw said. "But I'm proud of the stand we took. Honest and efficient government is possible in the Keys and we should accept nothing less."
Both Smith and Shaw have said that they will run for reelection this year.
Pathfinders, a newly reconvened group of avid bicyclists will have their first ride on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m., beginning at Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park. Participants will receive a "Please Share The Road" safety vest. A brief meeting concerning future goals and activities will be held during the lunch break at 3128 Riviera Drive (bring a bag lunch). Beverages will be provided. For more info call 293-6495.