Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Tensions boil over at Orange City Council as residents allege mayor asked child to speak for pay; council member demands accountability
Summary
Multiple residents read letters alleging Mayor Kelly Marks asked an 11‑year‑old to speak in exchange for payment and that the mayor and others have exhibited unethical conduct; Mayor Marks denied the payment claim and defended her record while Councilwoman Lisa Stafford detailed allegations of Sunshine Law violations and improper influence.
During a prolonged and often emotional public‑comment period, residents and council members raised allegations about Mayor Kelly Marks’ conduct and called for council action to restore public trust.
Candace Baker read a letter from Tranisha Reid that said Reid’s 11‑year‑old son attended the meeting to speak about the skate park after, the letter says, Mayor Marks “asked him to speak on her behalf during the meeting, and promised him $100 in exchange for doing so.” The letter added that “he was never paid” and described changes in the child’s behavior and emotional distress following the incident.
Councilwoman Lisa Stafford used her council‑member remarks to enumerate broader concerns. Stafford accused…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
