Eatonville’s new mayor is speaking out about the state investigation against him and why he has asked top city officials to resign, including the town’s chief of police.
Mayor Anthony Grant said he expected his name to be cleared shortly and allow him to continue unencumbered.
Former Mayor Bruce Mount has filed a lawsuit challenging the March 7 election results and the number of absentee ballots that gave Grant the win.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating Grant, although they will not confirm why.
Grant has also been accused of paying for votes by lowering his tenants’ rent in exchange for their votes, but said that didn’t happen.
“Absolutely not. I’ve got receipts from months before the election. I have receipts during the election and I’ve got receipts after the election and they don’t change,” said Grant.
“I am concerned now with the level of controversy for this reason, for my community,” said newly-elected Eatonville Councilman Eddie Cole. “The people that I serve deserve better.”
Cole believes the town’s charter gives the council the final word and offered a message to the affected employees.
“To the chief’s resignation and every other employee here, I don’t accept your resignation. I don’t accept them. You are doing great jobs. I don’t accept them,” Cole said.
We attempted to reach Mount, but were unable to locate him for comment.