We usually shine a light on local government. But after the June 17, 2025 Commission meeting, maybe it’s time we shine a microphone, too. 
Let’s talk about Resolution R2025-86 and the vote that shouldn’t have counted.
At that meeting, a walk-on consent agenda item proposed changing the September commission meeting date to accommodate a taxpayer-funded trip to Japan for the U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit. It wasn’t on the original agenda. It was quietly slipped in, bundled with another unrelated item, and rushed through like it was just another housekeeping item.
Commissioner Su questioned it immediately, asking how it was added and requesting to pull it for discussion. The Mayor dismissed the concern and pushed ahead with a vote.
Here’s what the video from June 17, 2025 shows:
Commissioner Su voiced a clear NO
Commissioners Smukler, Fleurimond and the Mayor mouthed “aye”
Commissioners Jean, Smith and Chernoff said nothing
The Mayor claimed four YES votes and declared it passed
When the City Clerk asked for the vote tally, the Mayor replied:
“Four. Myself. So it’s four. Next item.”
Even worse? When Commissioner Su tried to revisit it, the City Clerk said:
“It’s the agenda. Has been voted on.”
But under Florida law and standard parliamentary procedure, silence is not a YES. A vote must be clearly and affirmatively stated. If a commissioner doesn’t say yes, it’s a no or an abstention. There is no such thing as an assumed vote.
So what happened here? The Mayor invented a majority, and the officials responsible for maintaining procedural integrity said nothing.
This wasn’t just sloppy. It could be legally invalid, and it raises serious questions about who’s paying attention at City Hall.
This vote should be voided.
This process must be corrected.
This silence—from the dais and the administration—cannot continue.
Watch the video. The truth isn’t hidden, it’s just being ignored.
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxgTFk7LevF_AMcx2tQrgqMyjG4kKA39Zw?si=cJ85fee7f-Lkmn-C