Local Repub candidate gets caught cheating on homestead; stays on with Commission's support.

[Baitball Blogger]

Winter Springs Commissioner misused homestead exemption

Although reports show Winter Springs Commissioner Avery Smith is facing penalties for claiming two homestead exemptions in Seminole County, her position in city government remains much safer than her checkbook.

"There appears to be no case that her appointment was improper, illegal or against the charter in any way," Winter Springs Mayor Charles Lacey said. "And there is certainly no intent on the commission's part to review it, no plan to make any change and I don't think there is any way for the commission to change it even if they wanted to."

Since Smith is a valid resident of Winter Springs and an elected commissioner, there must be a violation of the Winter Springs charter, as stated in Section 4.08b, performed in order to consider removing her from office, he said.

However, she is still being ordered to pay $3,106.47 in fees and back taxes to the county, which she did on July 19, Seminole County Property Appraiser David Johnson said.

http://www.seminolechronicle.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2012/07/26/50114187208cc

[Baitball Blogger]

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