County voters rejected charter that excluded Gays and Lesbians from anti-discrimination provision, Section 10.06

Twice this year, St. Johns County voters wiesely rejected a proposed County Charter with an anti-discrimination provision that excluded Gays and Lesbians from any protection.

Despite reasoned and documented requests to add six pages of strengthening amendments -- including an Inspector General and Ombuds and anti-discrimination protection for Gays, Lesbians and employee whistleblowers --- St. Johns County Commissioners sent voters a "starter charter" unworthy of adoption.

No vote was even held on the strengthening amendments, though then-Chair THOMAS G. MANUEL said, "you have extra time," allowing me to explain them, at least.

MANUEL stands indicted for accepting $60,000 in bribes in transactions that were tape-recorded by the Department of Justice.

We rejected it twice in 2008 -- once in the August 26, 2008 Primary and again on the November 4, 2008 General Election.

Now's the time to work for a real Charter that doesn't discriminate.