Brandi Gabbard, Richie Floyd stuck their noses where they don’t belong

Allegations against St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Jim Large – that he made sexist, racist and homophobic remarks – are serious and Mayor Ken Welch was right to place him on administrative leave while the claims are fully vetted.

But it was Welch’s call.

I have no doubt City Council Chair Brandi Gabbard and member Richie Floyd’s hearts were in the right place. Both were acting in defiance of the City Charter.

Section 4.05 of the City Charter bars Council from directing or requesting “the appointment or removal of any employee of the City to or from any position with the City.”

– Peter Schorsch, Extensive Enterprises Media