Candidate Contribution Application Form
This form was procured by the State Committeewoman and presented to the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee Board members. It was explained to us that the prior board had created and used it in past elections.
The only edit the current Board made was adding the last line on page 2.
My opponent in the primary election was encouraged to submit an application for contributions, but did not. I was the only candidate to complete the application and submit to the interview to be considered for a contribution.
“The contribution amount must be approved by the General REC Membership by a majority vote of the membership in attendance.”
As the candidate potentially benefiting from this vote, I stepped out of the room to recuse myself from the vote.
The vote total was 20 yes, 18 no; 1 abstained.
Republican Party of Florida Rules & Procedures
RULE 8 - Endorsements
Nothing in the rules for endorsements has any mention of monetary contributions.
The Complaint by Phyllis May
Page one
“I eventually stopped being an active member here”
NO DIRECT PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT
Phyllis May is not an active member of the REC, nor has she been an active member during the many years I have volunteered within this organization.
FRIVILOUS COMPLAINT BASED ON HEARSAY AND INCOMPLETE REPORTING
It is not standard practice of the State Attorney, who openly supported my primary opponent, to investigate complaints of citizens who get angry about something they read in the newspaper. Additionally, who within the Republican Executive Committee is feeding hand-selected bits and pieces of private club business to non-members?
“talked to others, who I know are active”
“No one, including news outlets, has seen any confirmation that the vote taken by the REC met the minimum number of votes to endorse a particular candidate..... If there was no valid vote...”
39 MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN AND WITNESSED THE VOTE
As clearly detailed on the Candidate Interview and Evaluation sheet, a majority is required to award funds. The funds were distributed in accordance with the rules, via a check signed and issued by the REC Chair.
The Complaint by Phyllis May
Page two
QUOTES RULE 8 FOR “MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS” WHEN RULE 8 IS FOR ENDORSEMENTS ONLY
May’s interpretation of Rule 8 is incorrect and not how the rule was presented to the voting body.
Most importantly, this accusation is - in its entirety - hearsay because Phyllis May is not a member nor was she in attendance at the meeting wherein the membership voted, by majority, to award the funds.
The Complaint by Phyllis May
Page three
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
The Monroe County Republican Executive Committee, along with all others like it in the state of Florida, are under strict rules to protect proprietary information and is under no obligation to broadcast the work done to the media. It is, in fact, ethically discouraged.
State Attorney Dennis Ward’s Office’s Letter to the Governor
Dennis Ward is a member of the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee.
An assistant in Dennis Ward’s office notifies Governor DeSantis that Ward is a witness to this complaint case and requests the appointment of an outside attorney.
Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order
Dennis Ward’s office was provided the Governor’s Executive Order granting the request for Ward’s recusal.
To this date, I have never received any official document or paperwork notifying me of any case or investigation against me. Yet, somehow, my opponent began blasting out a gross mischaracterization of the executive order to mislead voters in a campaign against me.
Here’s the T.I.P. from Sherri Hodies
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Transparency
Transparency and honesty are character traits I strive to achieve daily in all of my affairs.
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Integrity
I am dedicated to public service, taking on many roles with local community and charitable organizations.
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Promise
My promise to the community here in the Florida Keys is to be available to you, educate the voters and always be open to understanding your needs as best I can.