building official out

[Guest guest]

Dear All:

Below is a link to a news story which ran last night. Please view the video portion if you are able. We are FINALLY getting a new building official in ville. I had heard rumors, but got the call yesterday morning from the reporter wanting on-camera comments. I was unable to meet the reporter within the hour time frame necessary (and my attorney advised against me expressing my opinion on this), but I was able to get Hodges, PI, to comment. has been incredibly instrumental in getting issues out for us. As a private investigator with an impeccable reputation, he can get the attention of people way up the ladder. The investigations against the building official and his former superior who resigned last month are on-going by the state and the state attorney. If the State of Florida will do what it should and prosecute actions and regulate those licensed by the state in this case, it will set precedent for all of Florida. This is just the beginning of what has been a "behind the scenes" movement of the past several years.

Sincerely,

Armstrong - HOBB Florida

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=7006

City's Chief Building Inspector may change

According to Mayoral Press Secretary , "We are definitely looking at some changes in inspections." Tom Goldsbury, villes Chief Building Inspector

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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- After working his way through the ranks of city government, First Coast News has learned that Tom Goldsbury, ville's Chief Building Inspector may have his title changed. According to Mayoral Press Secretary , "We are definitely looking at some changes in inspections,rather permits and inspections." The potential title change is the result of a process that began when Peyton took over as mayor. According to , "It's a new day. There are lots of changes being made all across the board and this [chief building inspector] is one of them." Goldsbury, however, may not be going far. With the passing of Taye Brown, Project Manager for the Equestrian Center, the city may have found a replacement. According to , "We need to fill that slot with someone we can trust and we do believe that Tom is that person." Goldsbury has worked for the city eleven years and was appointed Chief for Building and Zoning Inspections in April of 1998. His tenure, however, has been marked by several controversies. According to Private Inspector Hodges, "Not all of the actions that have been taken out of that office, where he is chief, have been the kinds of actions that have regulated construction. Much of the time the construction has regulated what's going on." Arvida is a prime example. Several residents are suing the contractor for allegations that they failed to build homes up to Florida Code. According to Hodges, "Arvida is a situation where private inspectors were allowed to do their own inspections. And you know it's like giving a drunk the keys to the wine cellar." The governor's office is also investigating several complaints filed against Goldsbury, including one filed by Hodges. The Mayor's office says that Goldsbury was informed of the possible role change Friday morning. They would not say if the change of titles was because of the Arvida lawsuit or the governor's investigation. City officials say they will decide by next week if Goldsbury will retain his current title. Goldsbury declined to comment on our story.

Created: 8/15/2003 5:43:51 PM

Updated: 8/15/2003 7:08:33 PM