Commission On Ethics Dismisses Complaint Against Jordan Marlowe

TALLAHASSEE ‒ On June 7, 2024, the Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed an ethics complaint against Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. The complaint, filed by Tyler Foerst, Co-Chair of Save Our Schools Newberry, was reviewed during a closed-session meeting where the Commission assessed 22 complaints for legal sufficiency.

Foerst’s complaint alleged that Marlowe's actions constituted an overreach of his authority and misuse of city resources. Foerst claimed that Mayor Marlowe improperly directed City staff to assist in creating a budget for Education First for Newberry (EFN), a private entity, without the approval of the City Commission.

The complaint alleged that Marlowe “has been directing City staff to assist in the creation of the budget for Education First for Newberry (EFN) and has used City resources in benefit of EFN, a private entity, without a vote of the City Commission. By unilaterally ordering City staff to work for the benefit of a private entity, the Mayor has clearly overstepped his authority and abused his power.”

In its dismissal, the Commission stated the complaint lacked legal sufficiency. The Florida Commission on Ethics clarified that their review of legal sufficiency focuses on jurisdiction and whether the complaint’s content adequately alleges a violation of the Code of Ethics or other laws within the Commission’s scope. The Commission emphasized that no factual investigation is conducted at this stage, and thus their conclusions do not reflect on the truthfulness of the allegations.

The Florida Commission on Ethics, an independent nine-member body established in 1974, oversees the review of complaints filed under the statutory Code of Ethics and provides advisory opinions to public officials regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Should the Commission find a complaint legally sufficient, it may conduct a public hearing. If a violation is confirmed, the Commission can recommend civil penalties, including fines up to $10,000 per violation and removal from office or employment.

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