The fight against Form 6 continues, with small towns like Reddick hanging in the balance
REDDICK — As opposition to Form 6 continues to grow, two people who want the controversial law changed visited the Reddick Community Center on Wednesday to discuss how the financial disclosure requirement is hurting places like this small town.
John Adams, a retiree living in Inglis, and Joyce Schwing, a former Inglis elected official, told the audience that Reddick is unique and has a story to tell about Form 6. Schwing and her husband, Steven, once Inglis' mayor, resigned their government posts instead of completing Form 6. Schwing's husband also was at the meeting on Wednesday night.
Form 6 requires those in office to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities over $1,000. Statewide, many small town office holders have resigned in protest. The problem is especially dire in Reddick, where the mayor and all five town council members resigned. Only the town clerk is left.
Without an elected governing body, the Town of Reddick does not have a functioning governmental body.
Here's a rundown at what was said at the meeting:
Has Form 6 harmed municipalities?
Adams and Schwing says yes. Without enough members, some small town elected bodies are unable to vote on important issues. Not enough people are volunteering to fill vacated spots. Projects and contracts are in limbo. Places like the Town of Reddick risk losing their municipal status.
Nadine Stokes, a former Reddick council member, told the gathering that safety was the reason she opted not to file Form 6. She doesn't want her finances public, as that could make her a target.
What are Adams and Schwing doing to sway politicians and the public to see their point of view?
They are visiting places like Reddick to publicize how Form 6 has the potential to ruin communities. They also are running TV ads in several Florida counties, mainly Leon, that highlight the devastation of Form 6. The Town of Reddick is among the communities featured in the ads.
Are the ads working?
Adams and Schwing feel they're effective. They believe politicians and residents are paying attention to them.
Where's the money coming from for the ads?
Adams is financing the ads out of his own pocket. But they want to keep the message going after the Florida Legislature goes home when the session ends March 8. Adams said they need donations to buy more ads that can be published between now and the next legislative session.
"What I do works," he told the audience.
Schwing said the Town of Reddick has set an example for others to follow when everyone resigned. She said Reddick's story needs to be told, and championed, statewide.
Is there an alternative to Form 6?
Yes. Adams and Schwing hope state lawmakers adopt a revised version of the law. For instance, the value of assets that require disclosing could be increased from $1,000 to $5,000. Small cities and towns like Reddick and McIntosh could be exempted. Also, some controls could be implemented to protect sensitive information.
Is anything happening in Tallahassee?
Yes. According to the News Service of Florida, a measure is making its way through the Florida House of Representatives that, if approved, would delay the compliance deadline until 2025 and exempt mayors and council members in communities with 500 or fewer residents.
There also are two lawsuits (one state, one federal) challenging the current Form 6 requirements.
What's the situation now in Reddick?
No one has come forward to fill the vacant positions. The town's election was scheduled for April 5, but with no one qualifying, there's no election. There could be a special election; however, no one has expressed any interest in the job, which is unpaid.
Earlier coverage: With Form 6, two Marion County towns are heading in opposite directions
What about McIntosh?
The town has lost four council members, leaving the mayor and one council member. Four people have submitted their names for consideration to fill the positions. The town is waiting on Gov. Ron DeSantis to make a decision on appointments. Those selected must complete Form 6.
"I'm optimistic about the future," said McIntosh Mayor Marshall Roddy.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Activists take on Form 6, seek to save small towns.
