PALMETTO BAY, Fla. – Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer introduced he’ll “shut down” all Village Council enterprise till Council Member Steve Cody resigns, following Cody’s reported social media remark in regards to the assassination of Turning Level founder Charlie Kirk.
Cody reportedly wrote, “Charlie Kirk is a becoming sacrifice to our Lords: Smith & Wesson. Hallowed be their names.”
Mayor Karyn Cunningham beforehand wrote on Instagram calling for Cody to step down, a requirement that has additionally been echoed by Florida Legal professional Basic James Uthmeier, Commissioner Cohen Higgins, state Rep. Ileana Garcia, Republican Celebration of Florida Chairman Evan Energy, and others.
Cody has not responded to a number of requests for remark from Florida’s Voice, nonetheless he has reportedly apologized.
“I wish to be completely clear: the submit didn’t mirror my values, my beliefs or my duties as an elected official,” Cody mentioned in a press release to CBS Miami. “To those that have been offended or damage by my submit, particularly the family and friends of Charlie Kirk, I sincerely apologize.”
“If I had considered it longer, I most likely would have simply saved that thought to myself,” Cody mentioned.
As for resigning from his submit with Palmetto Bay, Cody mentioned, “It’s not going to occur. I’m time period restricted out. I serve till 2028. And I intend to serve out the following 3+ years of my time period.”
In a press release, Merwitzer mentioned he’ll enable public remark earlier than transferring to adjourn the assembly – and all future conferences – if Cody refuses to step apart.
“We have to give residents their voice first. But when the council ignores the desire of the neighborhood, I’ll do what the neighborhood has requested and transfer to adjourn each assembly till he resigns. You can’t name for somebody’s resignation after which conduct enterprise with them as if nothing occurred. That will be a failure of ethical braveness,” the vice mayor mentioned.
The vice mayor mentioned he has acquired lots of of complaints from residents who’ve expressed “outrage and disgrace.” He mentioned they anticipate a big crowd to attend Monday night time’s assembly.
“This council can’t perform usually whereas one member brings this stage of shame to our neighborhood. If Steve Cody is unfit to serve our residents, then he’s unfit to vote on selections that have an effect on them,” Merwitzer mentioned.
Florida’s Voice reached out to Cody for remark and can replace this story if a response is acquired.
