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Tensions flare at Orange City Council over mayor's social posts; councilmember withdraws from race
Summary
Councilwoman Knight publicly criticized Mayor Kelly Marks's official Facebook posts and asked her to resign; Mayor Marks defended her posts. Council member Dawn T. Umsen submitted a letter withdrawing her candidacy for District 3, citing governance and conduct concerns. Residents urged communication training and an independent review during public comment.
A heated exchange over social media conduct and council decorum marked the end of the Orange City Council meeting on April 28.
Councilwoman Knight used her council comment period to criticize posts made from the mayor's official Facebook page and to question how those posts represented the council's actions. "When the mayor post inaccurate information from an account labeled 'Kelly Marks Orange City mayor,' it carries the weight of the office," Knight said, and she urged Mayor Kelly Marks to "reconsider and step down from your position." Knight challenged several specific assertions she called misleading, including…
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