It may be outside of the media spotlight, but the Punta Gorda Town Council is coming to the forefront tonight - as whispers of a brewing scandal and financial mismanagement are merging. And it's not just amours - 7News has obtained substantial allegations of reckless management of the council's funds. Jules Vasquez looked at the document and the context:
We knew something was up when at the first town council meeting with the public - only the town mayor and one councillor showed up.
These five signatures may explain why no one else did. These councillors wrote to the Minister of Local Government on June 6th with some very troubling complaints.
They asked the minister to immediately intervene, quote, "regarding some ongoing financial irregularities and other related issues at the Punta Gorda Town Council… It has gotten to the point where (it is) creating…animosity and distrust among council members…Majority of the council members have expressed complete dissatisfaction with the unilateral decision being made, and the handling (spending) of the "Town Fund" of our council. Decisions are currently being made by only one (1) or two (2) members of the elected body, or sometimes by only the Mayor and/or administrator. There are many things that are currently occurring at the Council that we have absolutely no knowledge about and that have not been approved by a quorum, below are some of the following:
- The cost/deal of the recent purchase of road equipment.
- The finances of the council. (revenues and expenditures)
- Contracts being made by the council for road works, which have not been approved by the council.
- Purchasing of materials for street projects.
They say all this is why, quote, "the majority of our Council members did not attend a Public Meeting that was held on Wednesday May 24th, 2023",
Their plea was made to the Minister of Local Government - and the Prime Minister claimed ignorance on Friday:
Jules Vasquez
"They are not satisfied with the accounting there, are you aware of this?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"No, I am not aware of it, but maybe you should speak to the minister responsible which is Minister Oscar Requena."
Jules Vasquez
"Are you concern about division in that town council?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"In any council where there is a division of course we are concerned. Like in everything, you have your differences, but when the bugle blow, everybody decide we come together."
We did try to contact the man who the letter is addressed to, Minister of Local Government Oscar Requena for comment. He told us he was agreeable but was in a meeting. We're still waiting for a call back.
