The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Beware! Steve Walters, the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, is attempting to pull the wool over our eyes. He has announced that he is running once again for Town Commission. For over 47 years, Steve Walters has hidden behind a facade of respectability and donned a cloak of chaos and deception that has left our beloved town grappling with turmoil and strife.
From Steve Walters’ early days as a police officer in the Town of Melbourne Beach, he was at the center of costing the Town a $55,000 settlement in1986 when he and other officers violently raided a young man’s home and seized his Ford Thunderbird. Click here to read the settlement.
Dozens of similar situations followed Steve Walters as a police officer, but were unaccounted for, during a time when body cameras were not worn by officers. However, Officer Walters continued to rise through the ranks within the Police Department, ultimately becoming Police Chief.
Six months after he bought his home here In 2001, Steve Walters was forced to resign as Police Chief due to unresolvable conflicts with the Town Manager. In an article written later in 2004, F.L. Remark states, “Walters will be remembered for his harassment of the town commission, his disruptive behavior and bullying of employees at Town Hall, prior to his forced retirement as Police Chief, a choice he took rather than face termination.” Click here to read the article.
Rather than be fired, Mr. Walters settled on a severance package of $92,759.46, which is equivalent today to $168,373.35.
Although not documented in writing or audio, a whistleblower claimed that Mr. Walters vowed to, “take this Town down.” While this is hearsay, it is important to note that the person who heard it came forward with their personal first hand-knowledge of the statement. Other residents felt the same. See article.
During the time leading up to his resignation, the Town Manager responded to Walters’ many memos, ending with, “I am very troubled with the knowledge that you are spending your time writing memos that distort facts and events and making your speculative comments based on false or invalid assumptions.” Click here to read the entire Memorandum.
Months later, Walters managed to secure a seat on the Commission with a slim margin of victory with only 22.47% of the votes. His deceptive tactics were enough to sway just enough voters to grant him power once again—a testament to how easily misinformation can be weaponized against uninformed residents.
Throughout his tenure on the commission, Walters displayed more contention than cooperation. Town staff said they were being harassed and micromanaged by Mr. Walters. The workplace became an environment where staff members and commissioners would rather jump ship than endure the toxic atmosphere Walters cultivated. Another article reveals, “There seems to be a mass exodus…” Click here to read the Florida Today article.
In 2006 when Steve Walters lost re-election after serving as interim Mayor, he was so irate that he offered a $1,000 reward for information about an anonymous letter criticizing him just before the election. Florida Today stated, “The document gave him an F grade in community relations, governing money, management and ethics and family values.” Click here to read the 2006 Florida Today article
Melbourne Beach deserves better than endless cycles of chaos perpetuated by individuals like Steve Walters who exploit positions meant for serving communities rather than tearing them apart from within.
As we approach the November election, remember—the true character of leadership emerges not merely through rhetoric but also through actions taken over decades past.
Let us choose wisely and remember… YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!