Selective Memory by Mayor
At last night’s Melbourne Beach Town Commission meeting, Mayor Alison Dennington, when asked by Commissioner Robert Baldwin, claimed she knew nothing about the $3,155.05 fine that she owes the Town. During public comment, former Vice Mayor, Joyce Barton presented the facts, as follows:
“Through our research at Truth and Accuracy Matter, we uncover lots of interesting facts that we share through our website, PoliticsinParadise.com
Recently, through public records requests, we discovered more financial concerns regarding Mayor Dennington. This one has to do with her G3 campaign report from 2023. This report was filed five days late, resulting in a significant fine of $3,155.05 that still remains unpaid to our town. CLICK HERE
As a past candidate myself, I understand the importance of adhering to deadlines. The Town Clerk sends out email reminders as a courtesy to ensure candidates are aware of their responsibilities. However, despite these reminders—and despite certified mail sent not once but twice— Mayor Dennington did not sign for or pick up these letters from the post office. CLICK HERE
It is unbelievable that she continues to ignore this responsibility. The report was not only late, it was found to be incomplete. Specifically, Box 5 was left blank—a detail that the Town Clerk diligently pointed out multiple times through phone calls and emails. The Mayor claimed to be unaware of the situation.
This lack of attention to detail has consequences beyond just fines; it has required additional correspondence from our hardworking Town Clerk to verify the process and exactly how to assess fines with both the Chief at the Bureau of Election Records and our Town Attorney—once again wasting valuable time and taxpayer money.
It is crucial to note that any fines incurred must be paid from her personal account—not her campaign account—as per election regulations. To date, she has yet to resolve this outstanding issue.
When reviewing her reports further, they were not succinct. Things were written in incorrect spots and even one handwritten note stating: "Account not closed due to election complaint - legal expenses forthcoming." Even if there were legal expenses forthcoming, it has nothing to do with submitting your report on time.
I must express my deep concern about our Mayor's ability to make sound decisions regarding our town budget— this is a critical responsibility. If she cannot manage her own campaign reporting with accuracy or timeliness how can we trust her judgment on matters that directly affect all residents?”
Mayor Dennington, for your convenience, we will drop copies of your correspondence with our Town Clerk, Amber Brown. Please check your Town mailbox.
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