NassauFLDOGE thanks the City Commission — excluding Commissioner Tuten — for finally showing the courage to remove a Board of Adjustment (BOA) member mired in obvious conflicts of interest.
That member is Ms. Taina Christner, who is personally involved in a lawsuit against the Tringali property development. And where could that very case end up for a final hearing? You guessed it — before the BOA itself.
Even if Ms. Christner abstained from a vote, her public participation in the lawsuit and commentary on the matter has already occurred. That alone is enough to tilt the scales of opinion within the BOA. Neutrality compromised.
This isn’t the only conflict. Ms. Christner has also been outspoken against the RYAM project — another case that could very well land on the BOA’s desk.
And yet, when her removal was voted on, Ms. Christner labeled the Commission’s decision “low class.” Irony much? After all, she has previously scolded other city board members for their own “conflicts,” demanding their roles be re-evaluated. Apparently, it’s “high class” when she points fingers — but “low class” when the mirror is turned back on her.
Good job to Commissioners Minshew, Ayscue, Antun, and Poynter. You did what needed to be done. Conflicts of interest — even the appearance of them — undermine the integrity of city government. Removing Ms. Christner was the right call.
As for Commissioner Tuten’s dissent? Voters should take note.