- June 16, 2025
Dear Editor:
For weeks, we've watched a disturbing saga unfold. An independent investigation, commissioned by our own city, concluded that Mayor Norris violated our City Charter. The report details how he attempted to force the resignations of senior city staff without council approval — a clear overreach of his powers. This isn't a minor infraction; it strikes at the heart of our council-manager form of government, where the mayor's role is largely ceremonial and administrative duties lie with the city manager. This violation alone, if left unchecked, sets a dangerous precedent for future leadership.
Beyond the charter violations, the report and subsequent events paint a picture of deeply unprofessional and inappropriate conduct. We've heard of demeaning comments, profane language, and even alleged inappropriate remarks toward female staff. This behavior, whether intentional or not, creates a hostile work environment for our dedicated city employees and casts a long shadow over our City Hall. It's not the leadership Palm Coast deserves or expects.
Furthermore, Mayor Norris has engaged in a pattern of disruptive and divisive actions. He has reportedly made unsubstantiated accusations against local business leaders and even promoted unfounded conspiracy theories. His public attacks on fellow council members on social media, labeling them "illegal and illegitimate," are not just unbecoming of a mayor, they actively erode the possibility of collaborative governance. A healthy City Council thrives on respectful discourse, even amid disagreements. The current climate, largely fueled by the mayor's actions, makes productive work nearly impossible.
The recent vote of no confidence by the other four council members with the investigation sent to the Florida Ethics Commission, speaks volumes. This isn't a partisan attack; it's a unified outcry from those closest to the situation, who are witnessing firsthand the damage being done. Even the city attorney has reportedly called his conduct "unprofessional and inappropriate."
Perhaps most disheartening is the mayor's response to these serious findings. Instead of addressing them constructively, we've seen him double down, even physically removing his belongings from the shared council office and refusing to fulfill essential liaison duties. This represents an abdication of the very responsibilities he swore to uphold. Our city needs a leader who is committed to working with, not against, the rest of the council and city staff to serve the residents.
I've called Palm Coast home for two decades, and I've seen us overcome challenges through unity and a shared commitment to progress. What we are witnessing now is an unprecedented level of disruption and distrust. It's a distraction from the critical work of managing our city, addressing our growth and ensuring the well-being of our residents.
Mayor Norris, for the good of Palm Coast, for the integrity of our governance, and for the morale of our city staff, it is time to resign. Let us move forward, heal these divisions and return to the collaborative leadership our beloved community truly deserves. Our city is bigger than any one individual, and its future depends on ethical, professional and unified leadership.
Palm Coast
