The Supervisor of Elections for Orange County, Glen Gilzean, has allotted five million dollars for the purpose of providing scholarships and fellowships. The cash came from unused funds, which were provided by taxpayers and were not included in the budget.
Gilzean is adamant that he had the authority to spend the office’s budget; however, Mayor Jerry Demmings contends that any remaining monies must be returned to the county because of a state legislation that states that any money that is not being used must be given to county commissioners, who have the ability to decide how to use it. The attorneys have taken the position of Demmings.
Both a lawsuit and a restraining order to limit Gilzean’s authority are currently on the table, according to Demmings, who has confirmed that both alternatives are being considered.
Gilzean still has six weeks left to serve in his current position until Karen Castor Dentel, a member of the Orange County School board, will take over during the month of January.
It is possible that Castor Dentel will have the authority to terminate the agreement whenever she returns to office.
Demmings is quoted as saying, “This is poor governance. This was an inexperienced individual who was appointed by the governor.”
According to Valencia College and Career Source, the two organizations that were offered the majority of the money, they have stated that they will not use the money that has been provided until the problem has been handled.