Commissioner Lynchard seeks clarification

In light of the disputation over the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier's closure on Sept. 24, the pier management company – The Pier Inc. – is once again in the spotlight.

According to the Santa Rosa County commissioners, this issue will be taken up for discussion at the Oct. 10 commissioners meeting.

Commission Chairman Lane Lynchard has never voted on an issue involving The Pier Inc., which is owned and operated by Dorothy Slye and her brother, Everett Ratliff Jr. He has abstained from voting due to his law firm's involvement with Slye.

Lynchard's law partner represents Slye. Although Lynchard has never represented Slye, his partner's representation of Slye has resulted in "imputed disqualification" for Lynchard. Therefore, he has been unable to cast any votes on issues involving the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and The Pier, Inc.

However, the pier's closure prompted Lynchard to take the necessary steps in order to weigh-in on any future pier decisions.

According to Lynchard, he requested that County Attorney Angela Jones speak with the ethics committee governing elected officials in Tallahassee to determine if he can vote on matters involving the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier and The Pier, Inc.

He should have an answer by the Oct. 10 meeting.