Stuart commissioner resigns

A special Stuart City Commission meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. has been canceled after commissioner Tom Campenni resigned his position, according to an email from the city.

In a letter Campenni sent to the city attorney he said, "I was discouraged and appalled at the wasted $20,000 the Commission chose to spend on its previous investigation of me when I had suggested that the City needed to consider new blood and new ideas when hiring a city manager. I cannot in good conscience  allow this to happen again."

While serving as mayor Campenni faced an age discrimination complaint last year.

He said in the letter that spending the hard-earned money of Stuart's citizens investigating "specious allegations" is something he does not wish to do.

He also denied using threatening words to Stuart City Manager Dave Ross. He said Ross is "far too sensitive to be an effective city manager for any municipality that I know of."

Campenni said his mission to hold the city and commission accountable to taxpayers painted a target on his back and he said as a private citizen he will continue his campaign for "honest, open and accountable government."

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