Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher has broken his silence after a week of mounting scrutiny over city-issued credit cards, releasing a detailed statement on social media to address both the allegations and the personal attacks he says have accompanied them.
Allegations and Clarifications
The controversy began when a local media outlet reported that city credit card expenditures were under review, raising questions about whether contractors or staff may have misused public funds. Feacher emphasized that he himself has not been accused of any illegal activity, but acknowledged that the issue has sparked public concern.
“My goal is to get all of the facts first,” Feacher explained. “We still have not found any misuse as of yet and posted all previous transactions on our website. We will continue to inspect all expenditures and continue to update the page.”
By publishing transaction records online, Feacher said the city is attempting to demonstrate transparency and reassure residents that their tax dollars are being monitored responsibly.
Personal Toll and Public Attacks
Beyond the financial questions, Feacher revealed that the controversy has taken a personal toll. He described receiving hurtful comments and derogatory remarks about his character, including racial slurs and accusations of incompetence.
“It’s disheartening, but I strive to maintain my integrity and faith, refusing to engage in negativity that doesn’t reflect who I am,” he wrote.
Feacher noted that his teammates have also been affected, working “tirelessly” to respond to public records requests and dispel rumors. He asked residents not only to pray for him, but also for the staff who are navigating the fallout alongside him.
A Career of Scrutiny
Feacher reminded the public that controversy is not new to him. Having entered local government in 2001, he said he has long understood the scrutiny that comes with public service.
“This isn’t my first encounter with controversy,” he said. “I chose this path in local government fully aware of the scrutiny it can entail.”
Despite the challenges, Feacher pledged that if wrongdoing is discovered, he will be the first to acknowledge it and seek solutions.
Call for Responsible Dialogue
In his statement, Feacher urged residents to resist contributing to speculation without understanding the facts. He warned against “agreeing with fiction without asking for the facts,” arguing that such behavior undermines the city’s ability to govern effectively.
“I kindly ask you refrain from contributing to the narrative without understanding the facts,” he said. “If you’ve never witnessed any unethical behavior from me, I encourage you not to entertain the claims made by those who don’t truly know me.”
Broader Implications for Daytona Beach
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Daytona Beach over transparency, accountability, and public trust in city leadership. While Feacher has sought to frame the issue as one of responsible governance and fact-finding, critics argue that the city’s response has been slow and insufficient.
For residents, the episode underscores the importance of oversight in municipal spending and the need for clear communication from city officials. As Daytona Beach continues to grapple with issues ranging from infrastructure to economic revitalization, the credibility of its leadership remains a central concern.
Conclusion
Feacher’s statement represents both a defense of his integrity and a plea for patience as the city investigates the matter. Whether the controversy fades or intensifies will depend on the findings of ongoing reviews and the public’s willingness to accept his assurances.
For now, Daytona Beach residents are left balancing two narratives: one of alleged misuse and unanswered questions, and another of a city manager insisting on transparency, accountability, and faith in the process.
Add comment
Comments