- December 4, 2025
Dear Editor,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Palm Coast regarding what I believe to be a serious misuse of public resources. Recently, City of Palm Coast taxpayer dollars were used to host and promote a city-funded “town hall” event that Congressional candidate Charles Gambaro then leveraged for his campaign. Mr. Gambaro himself even posted pictures of this taxpayer-subsidized event on his campaign social media pages, effectively turning a public forum into campaign advertising.
I believe this is not only inappropriate—it may also be a violation of Florida law and federal election regulations. Under Florida Statute §106.15, no person or entity may use public funds to directly or indirectly support or oppose a candidate for office. Additionally, the Federal Election Campaign Act (52 U.S.C. § 30118) strictly prohibits the use of government resources for the purpose of influencing a federal election. Furthermore, the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326), while primarily covering federal employees, reflects the longstanding principle that taxpayer resources should never be diverted to partisan political purposes.
City-funded town halls are meant to inform and engage residents of the city, not to serve as free campaign platforms. Palm Coast citizens should not have to see their hard-earned tax dollars subsidize the political ambitions of any individual—Republican, Democrat, or Independent. This sets a dangerous precedent of blurring the lines between governing and campaigning.
I urge our city officials to immediately review this matter, clarify their policies, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are never again used to advance the candidacy of Mr. Gambaro—or any candidate for public office. Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and confidence that their city is not being used as a campaign tool.
Respectfully,
Brian Singer
Palm Coast, FL
Editor’s note: Palm Coast hosts Town Hall events that have featured all of the Palm Coast City Council members, including Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri, who is running for the Flagler County Commission. During Councilman Gambaro’s Sept. 18 Town Hall event, Communications Director Brittany Kershaw said a couple questions during the Q&A portion referenced Gambaro’s campaign, but Gambaro stayed on topic of city business. The photos posted on Gambaro’s campaign Facebook page were not taken by city staff.
