Walton County Mosquito Control Commissioner Arrested

[Smiling JOe]

As I understand it, a Walton County Mosquito Control Commissioner, Charles Burke, was arrested by an investigator by the State Attorney's Office last night, for falsifying State documents.

[scooterbug44]

From the Sun:



Charlie Burke arrested: County attorney says evidence shows he is not a resident of Walton County

December 05, 2007 Staff reports

WJHG, Panama City, is reporting Charlie Burke, board member of the South Walton Mosquito Control Board, was arrested on Tuesday, on charges he falsified information regarding his residency when elected to the board.

The question of Burke’s residence came up a number of times but Walton County Supervisor of Elections Bobby Beasley said Burke had signed a sworn affidavit attesting to his residency and his office is obligated to take such statement at face value.

Burke’s arrest comes just months after he spearheaded the firing of Mosquito Control Director Gary D’Angelo under protest from community members.

[30A Skunkape]

Politricks

[seacrestkristi]

Rut roh, does that mean there's a job opening? Wonder what the qualifications are?

[Smiling JOe]

Burke’s arrest comes just months after he spearheaded the firing of Mosquito Control Director Gary D’Angelo under protest from community members.

As I recall, Gary wasn't fired. His contract was non-renewed (isn't that the new term?) Also, I don't remember anyone other than Gary protesting. I think most people were happy that the job salary of $112,000 (or something like that) was being decreased to a reasonable amount around $60,000. Talk about poliTRICKS, how does one increase his salary from $60,000 to about double that within only four years?

[scooterbug44]

I just posted the Sun article, don't know much about the whole thing, but if the Sun got something wrong it's a day that ends in "y". They already edited the article from when I saw it earlier - then the sentence you quoted said he had been fired, not arrested.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around what the job entails and why it pays more than 2-3x that of a county commissioner etc.

[Here4Good]

It just seems bizarre to me that he was arrested. It seems like he would be removed from office, or something.

After all, when one of our County Commissioners was found to have violated campaign rules, it seems like that would also fall into the "falsifying state documents" category and would have triggered an arrest.

There is something else going on here - anyone have any clues? I know he got the head of the Mosquito commission "non-renewed", but he couldn't do that alone.

To paraphrase Yakov Smirnoff - "What a county!"

[Smiling JOe]

Just remember that Martha Stewart spent time in prison, not for insider trading, but for lying under oath. I'm guessing that falsifying State documents probably falls under some serious laws, hence the arrest.

[wrobert]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around what the job entails and why it pays more than 2-3x that of a county commissioner etc.

Mosquito commissioner pays $400 a month plus benefits if I am not mistaken. Residency seems to be a major qualification.

[Smiling JOe]

I think Skunky nailed it -- poliTRICKS. One of the other two MC (Mosquito Control) Commissioners filed a million dollar lawsuit against Charles Burke in the past. They don't like him, and they really pushed it when Gary's contract was not renewed.

With Burke arrested, there are only two Commissioners on the MC Board. Better watch them closely. The MC Board is the only County Board which (usually) has only three members. There has been talk about expanding it to five members, but right now, there are only TWO! I wonder who breaks the tying vote.??? Not to worry. I bet with these two, there are no ties.

[wrobert]

It just seems bizarre to me that he was arrested. It seems like he would be removed from office, or something.

After all, when Scott Brannon was found to have violated campaign rules, it seems like that would also fall into the "falsifying state documents" category and would have triggered an arrest.

There is something else going on here - anyone have any clues? I know he got the head of the Mosquito commission "non-renewed", but he couldn't do that alone.

To paraphrase Yakov Smirnoff - "What a county!"

The arrest would probably trigger a suspension from office with a temporary appointment until trial. Conviction would probably trigger permament removal with the office coming up for special election in August or November.

The board had been discussing adding two additional commissioners so there could be several openings in the coming year.

[Smiling JOe]

Mosquito commissioner pays $400 a month plus benefits if I am not mistaken. Residency seems to be a major qualification.

I believe she was referring to the WalCo Mosquito Control manager's salary which was well over $100,000 per year.

As for residency requirements, I think it is extremely important that the people in charge of spraying our neighborhoods with death-causing poisons, to actually live in the areas being sprayed.

[Here4Good]

The arrest would probably trigger a suspension from office with a temporary appointment until trial. Conviction would probably trigger permament removal with the office coming up for special election in August or November.

The board had been discussing adding two additional commissioners so there could be several openings in the coming year.

Honestly, with all of the nonsense that goes on around here, that the State Attorney chose to get involved in this particular mess makes no sense. It's like hitting a fly with a dump truck.

[Smiling JOe]

When they are State documents being falsified, that is out of the County's hands.

[wrobert]

With Burke arrested, there are only two Commissioners on the MC Board. Better watch them closely. The MC Board is the only County Board which (usually) has only three members. There has been talk about expanding it to five members, but right now, there are only TWO! I wonder who breaks the tying vote.??? Not to worry. I bet with these two, there are no ties.

Interesting thoughts considering one of these two voted not to renew the contract.

[Smiling JOe]

Good point, WalGOP. So you think that now that we are down to two, there will be tying votes, or do you think there will be more You Scratch My Back, ...?

[Here4Good]

When they are State documents being falsified, that is out of the County's hands.

Then where was the state when our County Commission approved all of those seawalls which were in violation of state rules? Where were they when the DEP had to resort to flying over Sowal in a helicopter to find out where seawalls were being built?

[wrobert]

After all, when one of our County Commissioners was found to have violated campaign rules, it seems like that would also fall into the "falsifying state documents" category and would have triggered an arrest.

Those were probably civil and not criminal violations.

[wrobert]

Good point, WalGOP. So you think that now that we are down to two, there will be tying votes, or do you think there will be more You Scratch My Back, ...?

I think you will see a very quick suspension from office and an appointment of an interim commissioner in short order. Mainly because of the fact that there are only two left and it could certainly lead to issues when trying to conduct business. I think they still have to hire a new director, and right now the board is doing the management duties.

[Smiling JOe]

I think you will see a very quick suspension from office and an appointment of an interim commissioner in short order. Mainly because of the fact that there are only two left and it could certainly lead to issues when trying to conduct business. I think they still have to hire a new director, and right now the board is doing the management duties.

...and since at least one of the two remaining MC Commissioners doesn't even know some basic facts about Mosquito Control, which was pointed out by the scientists whom they brought in for a meeting with citizens, it is very scary that he is one half of the management right now.

[JUL]

Does th MCC give notice before they spray

[Smiling JOe]

Does th MCC give notice before they spray

You aren't from around here are you?
No, they give no formal notice. Typically, the only notice you receive is when you hear the fogger engine running on the truck as it comes through your neighborhood. I have to think there are some trespassing laws being violated when they spray poisons. We have several threads devoted to those issues. Run a search for mosquito control and you will probably find them.

[Jdarg]

Does th MCC give notice before they spray

Yes. You will hear a whiny sound a few streets over, which is our warning to bring in the animals and shut the windows.

Supermom describes the sound as "Wee woo wee woo". We call it the sound of death.

[JUL]

kinda like when you live in a flight pattern and they dump the jet fuel landing...TOXIC

[Smiling JOe]

kinda like when you live in a flight pattern and they dump the jet fuel landing...TOXIC

maybe, but the difference is that the jet fuel is produced with the intention of fueling jets. The poisons which the MC uses, are produced to kill small insects indiscriminately. Also, jets don't commonly dump fuel, but Mosquito Control often sprays the killing poisons.

[JUL]

You aren't from around here are you?
No, they give no formal notice. Typically, the only notice you receive is when you hear the fogger engine running on the truck as it comes through your neighborhood. I have to think there are some trespassing laws being violated when they spray poisons. We have several threads devoted to those issues. Run a search for mosquito control and you will probably find them.

NO!!!!!!!!!!I'm not from where you be!!!!!!!!!
Was it my accent that gave me away?
It is cold here today and I woke to the beautful snow and ice covered trees out my window. I was lucky I did not need to be at work today...so I made a pot of chili and some banana bread.
I do not like the cold except for the cool clothes to be had....
I will not be there until the 21st....I hope the Mosquito Patrol will have already been and gone....as I do not even like hairspray much less pesticides.....

[dogflyguy]

Hey guy's and gals you can get on a list by the department of Agriculture to be notified if someone sprays certain chemicals within a set distance of your home. I dont remember all the criteria but i can get the info thursday if anyones interested but i do know it includes any company's that use those chemicals including lawn pest and household pest control companies so you may get several calls.

[dogflyguy]

Hey all there was also talk earlier about gary D being able to come back because of Burke's vote would be cancelled because of him not living in Walton county then the vote would be 1 to 1. not to sure what would happen but that's the talk in the mosquitoe control world

[Smiling JOe]

Hey all there was also talk earlier about gary D being able to come back because of Burke's vote would be cancelled because of him not living in Walton county then the vote would be 1 to 1. not to sure what would happen but that's the talk in the mosquitoe control world

Interesting. Having five commissioners might help out in situations like that. Just curious if Gary would get a new contract paying only $60K, or would he actually get another increase in salary, on top of the $100K+?

[scooterbug44]

Hey all there was also talk earlier about gary D being able to come back because of Burke's vote would be cancelled because of him not living in Walton county then the vote would be 1 to 1. not to sure what would happen but that's the talk in the mosquitoe control world

So since he was "illegally" elected all his decisions and votes are now null & void?

I thought the last time the issue of his residency was brought up he claimed he had an apartment over Dave's Glass.

[wrobert]

Hey all there was also talk earlier about gary D being able to come back because of Burke's vote would be cancelled because of him not living in Walton county then the vote would be 1 to 1. not to sure what would happen but that's the talk in the mosquitoe control world

This could be some real interesting stuff. The vote was not renew and not to negotiate to renew. Yet the contract had a termination date so it cancelled on its own. But if every decision that would call into question every 2-1 vote in which Burke sided with the majority. Very interesting question indeed.

[NotDeadYet]

I thought the last time the issue of his residency was brought up he claimed he had an apartment over Dave's Glass.

He is still claiming this. Claimed it on the evening news. Says it is all a "misunderstanding" due to the fact that his wife owns property in PCB.

[Smiling JOe]

As I understand it, Charles had claimed that his residence was at a Walton County property which was deeded to his wife, with whom he doesn't live. I'll let the State discern the truth behind this one.

[SWGB]

The PCB NBC affiliate just stated that his listed address was Dave's Glass and didn't mention anything about an apartment up top.

[scooterbug44]

He just got married, but his wife lives in another county?

Forget Mosquito Control, he could make $$ teaching other men how to swing that!

[Charlie Burke]

Hey I sued Magee,
but first, I put out to the press about the 116k director. Then they put a 19.46% budget cut on the table (I know a "good deal" when I see it) and I was the deciding vote on the budget cut.

The nicest thing I can say the director is, he had no people skills. My vote saved another 50k at least. Hell his salery was over 10% of the budget!

and me and the wife ? absence makes the hart grow fonder !

Oh, and Magee is using the boards atty for his wifes mothers probate case (he admitted to this on tape) and for his business.

2006 SWMCD spent $1450. dollars on atty fees
2007 ? over $7000.

Gary (former director) and magee have also "fixed Bids" I know, I researched it. And they fooled me into voteing for it.

I was duly elected to this board, by the taxpayers, and I will cotinue to represent them!

Charlie Burke "A working man, working for you!"

[Charlie Burke]

Oh, and I could use a litte help here, How about showing up at the SWMCD meetings ?

Public particapation is a big influance on a 3 member board

[Smiling JOe]

Oh, my! It isn't too often that we have the pleasure of hearing directly from the people who are making the nightly news. Chime in more often Charlie! We have many questions about Mosquito Control in WalCo.

[Charlie Burke]

OK, you know that stuff we spray, same thing you wash your dog with.

[Smiling JOe]

Oh, and I could use a litte help here, How about showing up at the SWMCD meetings ?

Public particapation is a big influance on a 3 member board

You mean that ya'll don't lock the door? I've been to Mosquito Control to hear a bunch of garbage, and never had the opportunity to ask questions, due to the Chairman (not sure if that is right) saying that the meeting was over and he had things to do. This was the "citizens" information meeting, where we were supposed to be able to learn. A few scientists gave a shpeel, and the meeting quickly ended when we began to ask questions.

[Smiling JOe]

OK, you know that stuff we spray, same thing you wash your dog with.

I use my homemade soap and, or, Dr Bronner's Soap for washing my dogs. It is saponified oils, and has no poisons in it. However, if you include them playing in the Bay or Gulf as part of bathing, you are right about it being the same stuff, since the poisons also go into both the Bay and the Gulf from the Poison Spraying trucks, and the previously used in Walton County, Dog Fly plane.

[Charlie Burke]

I refused to sit with the board in that meeting. That dog & pony show was a set up by gary and magee.

hell, the meeting was loaded with MCD people from across the state, locals could hardly get a seat!

I am sorry for that, not the way I would do business.

After the meeting, I had lunch with the "non toxic" speakers. next meeting I was acused of violating lobbyest laws by magees wife!

[wrobert]

I was just notified that the Governor has signed an executive order suspending Charlie Burke from office.

[ckhagen]

I use my homemade soap and, or, Dr Bronner's Soap for washing my dogs.

Dr. Bronners is my favorite Almond and peppermint especially.

I don't know Charlie, but I do know he always calls it like he sees it. I doubt very many people like that...

[Babyblue]

I heard someone was getting a kick back from "Raid" and "Off" Shameful!

[The Watcher]

Now all that has to happen is that the sheriff will hire an attorney, find the 1856 Mosquito Act (Never used since its conception) and he will then magically create a new Walton County Sheriff’s Office policy that places control of the Mosquito Commission and its employees, (with the exception of ANY Pregnant Women) under his jurisdiction. Charlie will have his job back in a week.

[Smiling JOe]

Now all that has to happen is that the sheriff will hire an attorney, find the 1856 Mosquito Act (Never used since its conception) and he will then magically create a new Walton County Sheriff’s Office policy that places control of the Mosquito Commission and its employees, (with the exception of ANY Pregnant Women) under his jurisdiction. Charlie will have his job back in a week.

Obviously you are upset about Bill Imfeld not being a legal candidate for Sheriff due to the Federal Laws. If you are trying to make an analogy, it is very flawed.

[The Watcher]

Obviously you are upset about Bill Imfeld not being a legal candidate for Sheriff due to the Federal Laws. If you are trying to make an analogy, it is very flawed.

I am upset that the best candidate for the job will not get a chance to hold the position, that is correct. I am also of the opinion that the Federal Law does not apply, but what do I know, it was not my decision to make.

As for the analogy, it was a Joke, I found it funny, you spent the time to reply to it. Thanks.