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Heritage Pines CDD orders legal review of "Coffee With Candidates" after Sunshine Law concerns
Summary
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes raised concerns that an HPCA-organized Oct. 9 candidate event and the distribution of candidate bios could create Sunshine Law conflicts; the board unanimously directed the district manager and counsel to review legal implications.
The Heritage Pines Community Development District board voted Sept. 17 to direct the district manager to review the implications of an outside "Coffee With Candidates" event and asked District Counsel to issue a legal opinion on potential Sunshine Law issues.
Vice Chair Arthur Rhodes said resumes and bios for three candidates (Mr. Steele, Mr. Putman and Mr. Kleeman) were attached to a memo about the Oct. 9 event and questioned whether the HPCA, a separate legal entity, had authority to schedule a CDD campaign event. Rhodes summarized candidates' stated reasons for running, saying Mr. Steele seeks "necessary changes from current direction, priorities and results," Mr. Putman wants to "work together to enhance the community," and Mr. Kleeman cited perceived "discord between the CDD and Heritage Pines." Rhodes moved to direct a review of outside candidate involvement in light of alleged hostile relationships; Carol Vaughan seconded and the motion passed "with all in favor."
HPCA General Manager Herb Hurley told the board that "the candidates asked for the event to be scheduled" and declined to discuss the matter further, suggesting attorneys should address the question of authority. District Manager Chuck Adams advised members that sitting CDD supervisors must avoid gatherings that could violate the Florida Sunshine Law and said he would request a memorandum from District Counsel. The board did not take further action at the meeting beyond ordering the review.
