Florida Mayor Jim Rostek recently made headlines by resigning from his position in Madeira Beach. In a letter to residents, he cited a pattern of corrupt behavior within the local government, specifically pointing fingers at City Manager Robin Ignacio Gomez. Rostek accused Gomez of engaging in discretionary and discriminatory code enforcement practices and mismanagement of taxpayer funds.
Rostek expressed his concerns regarding safety policies, such as the lack of a life jacket policy and smoking policy for city employees operating boats and vehicles. He also criticized the city’s financial practices, claiming that his former colleagues used unethical techniques to bypass commission approval on projects.
The former mayor highlighted instances of misconduct among city employees, including sanitation workers texting while holding onto the back of a truck. Rostek emphasized the importance of setting a good example for the public and upholding ethical standards in government operations.
In response to Rostek’s allegations, Gomez denied any wrongdoing and defended the city’s adherence to laws and ordinances. He dismissed Rostek’s claims of corruption as baseless and false, attributing the disagreements to misunderstandings of city processes and policies.
Following Rostek’s resignation, Anne-Marie Brooks, a former city commissioner, assumed the role of mayor in Madeira Beach. The city administrators are planning to hold a special meeting to fill Brooks’ vacant seat on the commission. Additionally, commissioners voted to extend Gomez’s contract until 2028.
Rostek expressed hope that state authorities would investigate the alleged corruption in the small town. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in local government to ensure the well-being of residents and the community as a whole.