The final disposition in the multiple ethics complaint(s) against Escambia Commissioner Doug Underhill wrapped up this morning. And I would encourage folks that have not seen the proceedings this morning to watch the entire meeting here. Underhill's case is first up on the video----and the discussion among the panel upon hearing the evidence presented is very compelling. After reviewing the records and hearing the case presented by the state's advocate--the ethics commission moved to increase Underhill's fine from $12,500.00 to $35,000.00. They also followed the recommendation of the state's advocate (attorney/prosecutor) to also recommend to the governor that Underhill be removed from office. This is profound.
This has been a situation that has brewed for several years. Censures, lawsuits, federal lawsuits, and ethics charges. It has been a clown show in the D2 office for a long time. But those days are coming to an end. Thankfully.
In an interesting and fascinating exercise--Doug and his minion watercarriers are already vigorously rebuking this decision--saying it was all "politics and all about money and certain families' political ties!" (paraphrased). But the fact of the matter is this is the culmination of years of complaints, lawsuits, and ethics charges lodged against Underhill by multiple persons and entities for valid reasons. To my knowledge, no other sitting commissioner has had any (ZERO) complaints leveld against him.
Still, the mindless Doug sycophants exclaim "It is the other commissioners' fault" as they dutifully attempt feckless defenses of Underhill on various facebook sites this evening. It is truly fascinating to watch them leap into action, lathered, to defend their guy Underhill---despite all the evidence of Doug's various machinations.
He (Doug) has had multiple folks register complaints with the ethics commission, he has lawsuits from multiple plaintiffs, and his loss today came via a 6-1 vote from a bi-partisan, objective and neutral group on the Ethics Commission--most of whom would not know Doug Underhill if he walked in front of them because they are from other parts of Florida. The evidence was compiled by attorneys that work for the state, based upon evidence they independently compiled over dozens of months from people they did not know. To say they all "had it in" for Doug is ridiculous, delusional, and outlandish rubbish. And I suspect Doug's loyalist know that deep down. No, it is all about the evidence and the record and karma. Look, Doug has attacked, libeled, slandered and "character assasinated" citizens and constituents, fellow commissioners, community leaders---and yes---even the family members of his perceived enemies. Lies, lies, lies. The lies are cathching up to Doug now. That's my assessment.
The Governor, ultimately, will decide whether or not this punishment will happen before Doug leaves office. Some have intimated that any action on this will not happen within the 31 days left in Commissioner Underhill's term.
I guess we will see. I hope action comes immediately. It is deserved and earned. Justice served.
Local media is already all over it. See the coverage here, here, here, and here.
When the revised final order with the recommendation for removal from office and a $35K fine is published, I will post it here.
