Statement from Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings Regarding Comptroller Report on Supervisor of Elections | December 16, 2024

“My goal in sounding the alarm about the spending by the Supervisor of Elections was to hold him accountable to the taxpayers and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for spending the people’s money. Ultimately, our citizens deserve more transparency and assurance that the SOE follows the law. This is not about partisan politics but about right versus wrong and lawful versus unlawful.

With the Comptroller’s report, my concerns have been confirmed. Things were happening in the Supervisor of Elections office that are inappropriate. Comptroller Diamond’s investigation makes it clear that Mr. Gilzean did not follow the law, nor did he follow the best practices. As a result, he has put the Board of County Commissioners in a difficult position, which will require us to take additional action. We will discuss tomorrow what those actions should be and determine the next steps.

Perhaps the Governor should consider removing Mr. Gilzean from office now and appointing the incoming elected Supervisor of Elections, Karen Castor Dentel.

As for the organizations that received funds from the Supervisor of Elections due to inappropriate spending, I believe that money should be returned to Orange County.”

– Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor

Investigative Report – Allegations of Improper Spending and Accounting Practices by Supervisor of Elections: http://bit.ly/3VFAOBw