4-24-17 Mayor Reeves Public Statement re: Fl. Star Article ,(2)' 1, 4 r CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
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APRIL 24,2017
Mitchell E.Reeves PUBLIC STATEMENT BY MAYOR REEVES
Mayor
Seat 1—At Large FLORIDA STAR ONLINE ARTICLE
John M.Stinson
Mayor Pro Tem
Seat 2—Dist 1308 Last week there was an article in a local publication discussing the
allegations of racism within Atlantic Beach government. First and
Mitchell R.Harding foremost, the type of language that is alleged to have been spoken will
CommissionerDist 1312
Seat S— not and will never be tolerated as long as I am Mayor. Our city is not
and will never be a place where those types of words are accepted.
James Hill
CommissionerDist 1306
Seat 4— Now, for a bit of background. I first spoke with the author of the Florida
Star article, Mr. Sokoni about this issue over a year ago. During that
M.Blythe Waters conversation,he was not able to identify the AB employee in question so
CommissionerDist 1307
Seat 3— I suggested that he advise his friend to contact the HR Department for a
confidential conversation to express his concerns. At the time I also
Kevin Hogencamp requested of our HR Department head and our former City Manager that
Interim City Manager they conduct a series of workshops to educate our city employees on the
Donna L.Bartle issue of workplace diversity. While our HR head was enthusiastic, our
City Clerk former City Manager refused to do so.
Brenna Durden
City Attorney Last week,the person who allegedly made these racist remarks resigned.
I anticipate that we will have a swift hiring process and will hire
someone committed to workplace.
Finally, as I mentioned earlier,I was first made aware of this over a year
ago and find it curious that just now is it being made public during the
course of my campaign for re-election. Until this issue is settled, I will
have no further comment."
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