Open Letter to Ed Brodsky: Give Waechter Case to the FBI

This is the hearing where the Brodsky has indicated he will allow Bob Waechter to plead to a misdemeanor and dispose of the case.  Lourdes Ramirez will object.  Please attend if you are able.  It is critical that citizens who want ethical standards and integrity in local government attend.  If you are “seeing red” regarding the State Attorney refusing the FBI request to handle the case, you can signify this by wearing red.

You can also send Mr. Brodsky an e-mail of protest at EBrodsky@scgov.net.

Hope to see you at 10:30 am.   Best, Cathy

I am writing to request  that you cede jurisdiction of Mr. Waechter’s identity theft case to the FBI immediately.

The videotape of Mr. Waechter engaged in purchasing a credit card in Ms. Ramirez’s name leaves little doubt regarding the seriousness of this matter.

Ms. Ramirez’s press release (below) indicates your office gave assurances “the state would not settle for a misdemeanor charge” (see attachment).  Why have you abandoned this position?

Today’s Herald Tribune reports Mr. Waechter contributed to your political campaign, and that alone may be enough reason for you to relinquish jurisdiction.  However, Mr. Waechter’s role in your political life goes beyond a mere campaign contribution.  Mr. Waechter publicly endorsed your candidacy; his endorsement is listed on your campaign website (see attachment).  In addition, Mr. Waechter is listed as a host on the invitation to your campaign kick-off fundraiser at Dolphin Aviation (see attachment).  As your political ally, donor, fundraiser host and endorser,  Mr. Waechter enjoys a unique relationship with you, which creates a conflict of interest regarding the just disposition of the case.  Your uncommon political relationship with Mr. Waechter raises important questions regarding the ability of your office to represent the interests of Sarasota citizens without prejudice.  The willingness of the FBI to accept jurisdiction affirms the gravity of this matter.

Sarasota residents must be confident that Ms. Ramirez’s case has been fully investigated.  Did others take part in planning or executing the events leading to the theft of Ms. Ramirez’s identity and/or donations made in her name?  Did Mr. Waechter communicate with others regarding how illegal donations made to Democrats in Ms. Ramirez’s name would be used to discredit Ms. Ramirez among Republican voters?   Did Mr. Waechter execute the illegal donations, or did others assist?  An office without political ties to Mr. Waechter is in a much better position to investigate these concerns, and the results of an independent organization like the FBI will be accepted with confidence.  Relinquishing jurisdiction to the FBI protects the integrity and credibility of the state attorney’s office.  Your office has a duty of loyalty to Sarasota citizens, and the willingness of the FBI to accept this case allows you to honor your obligation and ensure the case is handled free of prejudice, with the utmost integrity and professional standards.  Your constituents deserve no less.

Please acknowledge the problem created by your conflict of interest and cede jurisdiction to the FBI.

Sincerely,

Cathy Antunes

Ed Brodsky Endorsements            Brodksy Fundraiser Kickoff 1               Press release Dec 10 2013

From wikipedia:        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_interest#Third-party_evaluations

Conflict of Interest – A widely used definition is: “A conflict of interest is a set of circumstances that creates a risk that professional judgement or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest.“[1] Primary interest refers to the principal goals of the profession or activity, such as the protection of clients, the health of patients, the integrity of research, and the duties of public office. Secondary interest includes not only financial gain but also such motives as the desire for professional advancement and the wish to do favours for family and friends, but conflict of interest rules usually focus on financial relationships because they are relatively more objective, fungible, and quantifiable. The secondary interests are not treated as wrong in themselves, but become objectionable when they are believed to have greater weight than the primary interests. The conflict in a conflict of interest exists whether or not a particular individual is actually influenced by the secondary interest. It exists if the circumstances are reasonably believed (on the basis of past experience and objective evidence) to create a risk that decisions may be unduly influenced by secondary interests.