Guantanamo of the Cape?

I sat through a fascinating two hours today in Cape Coral. The roasting of Councilman Mickey Rosado and the beginnings of legal war that I expect to last months if not years.

Rosado is underfire for "allegedly" abusing his powers. A third party investigation found he asked various city employees to stop or push through various projects. According to the city charter, only the city manager is allowed to do that. (Many assume Rosado had something to gain from the impacted projects)

A forfeiture hearing is set for February 6th in which his fellow council members could give him the boot. I will be extremely surprised though if it is actually held that day. I suspect you'll see it weeks if not a month later because the defense will need time to prepare.

You're likely as unfamiliar with forfeiture hearings as I am. It's never been done in Cape Coral from my understanding. In essence the Council serves as a prosecutor asking witnesses various questions. They can subpoena witnesses as well. In this case, council will also be listed a witness. And when all is said and done... Say 2-4 days of testimony later... Council will confer and rule (vote) to keep or kick Rosado out of office.

I title my post today "Guantanamo of the Cape"... Because if anyone honestly thinks Rosado is going to get a fair shake... I've got some land to sell you. I agree comparing Rosado... To "enemy combatants" housed in Cuba is a stretch. However Rosado may as well be there because what's about to happen is a show for the public, and nothing more.

The Rosado investigation started like any other investigation... Someone had a motive. Someone ON THE COUNCIL, WITH A MOTIVE, leaked documents. Honestly speaking I don't know what that motive is. We can assume though that the end result they wanted was to get rid of Rosado. Unfortunately for them this effort has become a bit messy and while they may ultimately be successful, it will undoubtedly be expensive and a learning experience.

So I ask you this... If you leaked documents to get your co-worker fired and then were asked to be impartial at a hearing to fire them... Could you really be impartial?

I don't make this argument because I like or dislike Rosado or any other council member. I am not arguing whether Rosado is guilty or not. I make this argument because the "democratic process" set for February 6th is not what Cape Coral's founding fathers envisioned.

And If you think I'm exaggerating... Wait till the appeals are filed in court.

Can someone tell me why there isn't a recall?