Allegations claim Surfside mayor violated city charter, potentially state law

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Allegations claim Surfside mayor violated city charter, potentially state law

Allegations claim Surfside mayor violated city charter, potentially state law 02:15

MIAMI — Last month, in the space of 24 hours, three top city officials resigned, one after another.

Tuesday night at the Surfside Commission meeting, former Mayor Charles W. Burkett made a presentation claiming that the current mayor forced the three out. Burkett presented allegations that the mayor violated the city charter and potentially state law.

The now former city manager, Andy Hyatt, resigned on December 13. Burkett said Hyatt arrived at work “happy and in the holiday spirit hoping he could get a raise.” Burkett went on to say that Hyatt was “blindsided by the mayor’s threats to resign.”

CBS News Miami

Mayor Shlomo Danzinger announced Hyatt’s resignation on the 13th during the city commission meeting. He told the commission that Hyatt quit over family issues.

The next day, Deputy City Manager Jason Greene and Police Chief Rogelio Torres offered their resignations. Burkett claimed Danzinger fired the two.

In short statements provided last month, all three said they would receive severance pay.

Vice Mayor Jeffrey Rose believes the presentation was politically motivated, asking Burkett if he plans to run for office.

“Nobody in our administration has ever had a gun to their head,” Burkett replied. “They were fed up or retired. We’re talking about a very different situation. The answer to your question is if Surfside needs me to race, I’m going to race. How’s that going?

“Clearly see what we all said and heard in the audience,” Rose replied. “Clear as day, I’ve been told by multiple sources that two parties not re-elected realize the only way to get re-elected is to play nice and pretend and play together to get back in power. We’re seeing what happens. right now.”

Mayor Danzinger did not respond to the allegations during the meeting.

Other commissioners commented, saying they received Hyatt’s resignation before the Dec. 13 meeting.

Joe Gorchow

Joe Gorchow joins CBS4 News as a seasoned reporter and anchor with extensive live and breaking news experience. Joe’s competitive nature and passion for connecting with the community blend seamlessly into his role at WFOR. It strives to provide the coverage our viewers deserve.

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