Turmoil rocks city after allegations
HALLANDALE BEACH— Political turmoil continues to rock the city after allegations surfaced that a veteran commissioner may have been offered gifts by a developer seeking approval for a controversial project.
City Commissioner Bill Julian, who is under investigation by the Broward State Attorney’s Office, is not talking but others are taking action.
Mayor Joy Cooper said she plans to meet with prosecutors today about Commissioners Keith London and Michele Lazarow, both of whom she kicked off the dais last week. But Cooper declined to disclose specifics.
A political website, billjulian. sponsored by Ethics Matter, is urging residents to sign a petition askingJulian to resign.
London, an outspoken political opponent of both Julian and the mayor, plans to hold a press conference Wednesday morning outside City Hall to discuss the controversy.
Lauren Schenone, press secretary for Gov. Rick Scott, said state officials are aware of the allegations against Julian, but declined to say if they are looking into the matter.
Julian, 63, could not be reached for comment despite 11 calls to his home and cell over the past several days. He is facing challenger Anabelle Taub in theNov. 8 election.
Cooper’s decision to meet with prosecutors comes on the heels of a contentious meeting at City Hall last Thursday that turned into a shouting match when London brought up the allegations against Julian. Themayor ordered the police chief to remove London. Lazarow, too, was removed when she suggested Julian resign.
The mayor defended her actions, saying Lazarow and London were bringing up something not on the agenda. They’ll have to wait until the next regular commission meeting on Sept. their say, she said.
“They’re not entitled to hijack meetings and be out of order. It’s a disgrace,” she said.
Neither Lazarow nor London appeared concerned over Cooper’smove to talk to prosecutors.
“Joy Cooperhas filed ethics complaints against me,” London said. “They got dismissed. Obviously, Joy Cooper is fixated with me.”
The series of events that led to the investigation began on March 2, when commissioners approved a $450 million condo and hotel project at the Diplomat Golf andTennis Club. The project passed 4-1, with Lazarowvoting no.
A robocall went out the next day blasting Julian and gave a number to call in case people wanted to hear the message again. Julian called the number and when the robocall ended, he was inadvertently recorded on its voicemail.
On the recording, Julian appears to say the developer’s attorney promised to get him to have 300 campaign workers to help him keep his seat in the Nov. 8election. Therecording also captured Julian saying the developer had made a secret offer to get a van for the Hallandale Food Pantry, one of his pet charities.
The recording, obtained by Ch. 10 reporter Bob Norman, was aired lastweek.
Through a spokesman, the developers and their attorney have denied wrongdoing.
London sent an email to residents Monday blasting Julian for “cutting side deals in return for his vote on The Diplomat development. This is not only amoral but also likely illegal.”
Julian made headlines in 2007 after suggesting the commission raise its salary from $20,500 to $75,000 during a planning meeting that was not advertised.
The vote passed 3-2, with Cooper andLondonvotingno and two former commissioners supporting the raise. The pay raise was rescinded two days later after a public outcry.