It's been nearly two weeks since the June 19th Apopka City Council meeting, but the fallout from that dark three-hour-plus session continues.
After a tension-filled discussion about rescinding Mayor Bryan Nelson's 2023 censure, The Apopka Voice has learned through a public records request and a social media post that Commissioner Alexander Smith sent a scathing email to Commissioner Nick Nesta, describing Nesta's remarks to Smith as "degrading, offensive, insulting, rude and disrespectful."
During the presentation, Nesta called on each commissioner (Nadia Anderson, Smith, and Diane Velazquez) to vote against rescinding the censure.
Although Smith recused himself from this vote because he did not vote in the censure or attend the meeting in 2023, Nesta still gave his reasons why Smith should vote against the recision.
"Commissioner Smith, I'm surprised that you showed up to this meeting, to be honest," Nesta said. "And I'm surprised you recused yourself as well. I feel this vote would have been important for you to do, not only for yourself but also as an educator and as a clergy member. It's important to show you stand with those who are honest, have integrity, and are ethical. It's unfortunate that you recused yourself from this."
The next day, Smith sent his response to Nesta's city commissioner email account. Here is that email unedited and in its entirety:
"From: Alexander Smith on behalf of Alexander Smith <ASmith@apopka.net>
To: Nicholas Nesta
Subject: Comments at City Council Meeting
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024 12:57:05 PM
Good afternoon Commissioner Nesta,
I wanted to make you aware that as a Black Male your remarks last night at City Commission meeting were degrading, offensive, insulting, rude and disrespectful. I find it difficult to understand how in 2024 a white male feels that it is ok to talk to a Black male as if we are still in slavery.
Because I’m an educator, Pastor and most importantly a human being I know how to conduct myself in public settings. To make a mockery of my chosen profession and the spiritual calling of my life I don’t take kindly. When we are in the chambers I would appreciate it if you would address me in my position and office as Commissioner.
Slavery is over. Black men are no longer controlled by their white counterparts and told what to say, where to go and where they can not go. I’m not sure when you were appointed as the Council disciplinarian and given the authority to reprimand. I would appreciate it if you would give me the same respect as a man and fellow Commissioner that I give you. I don’t reprimand nor make smart remarks about decisions you make or the way you chose to vote on a business of the council. I would appreciate the same respect. Because our viewpoints are different does not give you the right to reprimand. It is my understanding that all four Commissioners have the same equal rights. Not that I’m controlled by and dictated to by you: master how shall I vote, or can I vote!
Believe it or not I to represent the residents of Apopka.
It’s what’s inside of me that matters; not who is in front of me!
Best regards,
Alexander H. Smith
Apopka City Commissioner, Seat 1
Sent from my iPad"
Nesta also called on Velazquez to vote against rescinding the censure.
"I know as a mother, as a detective, and as a civic leader, you'll make the right decision not to rescind the censure," he said to Velazquez. " All these facts show exactly what happened... that we were lied to and tried to deceive the voters, the public, as well as yourself."
He used similar language in asking for Anderson's vote, who had earlier asked that the item be tabled until she could do more research.
"The Mayor was properly censured for lying," Nesta said. "You don't need any more context than what was just provided. The minutes were approved by the mayor for lying. He approved that he lied.
Then he addressed Anderson directly.
"I don't know what else you can look into. This is exactly what you'll be looking into tomorrow, the next day, and the next day. If we table this, no other information is needed. No other information is required. This is exactly what the censure discusses and exactly what it's about. You're a mother, you're a business owner, and you're a civic leader. Are you okay with lying?"
"Well, I determine how much research I need to do to feel confident to vote," Anderson said. "Me being a mother and a business owner all have absolutely nothing to do with me. I have never written a resolution, so I don't feel comfortable voting."
"So you came to this meeting unprepared," Nesta said. "That's very unfortunate."
Editor's Note: The Apopka Voice contacted Nesta for a response, but after learning that commenting on a news site or through an email to Smith may violate Sunshine laws, the request was withdrawn.
This is a developing story that may be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice as more details become known.
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JimNisbet
Well I think it's clear that Mr. Nesta is "the problem" at the City Council. The state investigators cleared the mayor of any wrongdoing, the City should do the same and move on to the business at hand. But Mr. Nesta spends far more time and effort compiling this case against the mayor, rather than putting that same time and effort into something beneficial for the City. The mayor made a mistake and misspoke. Almost 2 years ago? Doesn't Mr. Nesta have something more productive to do than play "Gotchya?" I think he does. But he won't because he's a dog with a bone. He's just going to to keep attacking the mayor and creating dysfunction (of course blaming him for the dysfunction along the way) until he gets his way or gets voted out. Very sad. I hope the rest of the council can see this for what it is and work around this malcontent.
Yesterday at 7:48 AM Report this
GarciaMegan
Mr. Nisbet
Not that Commissioner Nesta needs defending, but if by doing something beneficial for the city, you mean the countless outreach events, dollars out of his own pocket to ensure babyland at one of our local cemeteries is free to family’s that find themselves burying an infant, advocating for city workers and minorities etc? Nesta’s time spent on this specific matter upheld a standard of leadership in Apopka and after the decades this city has been neglected by its leadership (insert poor road conditions and other underdeveloped infrastructure, understaffed safety departments, water safety issues just to name a few). If you sir are okay with lying then you sir are the problem and serve as a great example of the issues with our current political system as a country. Leaving well enough alone is no longer an acceptable approach to leadership in Apopka. Hold leaders accountable- regardless of who they are.
Yesterday at 8:31 AM Report this
MDuran
Jim- your comment is odd to me. First of all, the ethics committee did not exonerate the mayor. As a matter of fact, they agreed that he did in fact lie. You described it as a mistake and that he “mis-spoke” in fact is was a flat out lie. But you also suggested that everyone just let that go. Can I assume from your position on this, that you are also okay to ‘let go’ a State department AND a 3rd party report that proved the city failed my son, an Apopka firefighter? The fire department was in FACT issued a citation for their negligence and failure. I have fought for accountability and to this day, still have received zero. I suppose you’re okay with that as well. Your mayor not only never took on any responsibility, he doubled down and gave a proven failed fire chief a perfect evaluation. I guess you’re okay with that too. I guess you’re also okay with our firefighters being the lowest paid and still working without a contract. That’s fine by you, right? Because your mayor, in your eyes, can do no wrong. I am already regretting this comment to you as some people will never be objective. But know this, you’re mayor flat out lied. And Nesta was actually working for the people to make sure that at least that, brings some accountability to this administration.
Yesterday at 10:50 AM Report this
MamaMia
I see they are having a dog Apopka Mayor election. Why aren't they having a dog Apopka Vice- Mayor election?....Or maybe, they just don't count?
Yesterday at 10:21 PM Report this
VoiceOfTheCommonMan
MamaMia,
Your Comments don’t count!!
Stop trying to deflect from the subject matter.
Today Report this
VoiceOfTheCommonMan
I was present at this city council meeting and I challenge all the readers of this article to go YouTube and watch the city council meeting to get the Facts for yourself.
Commissioner Smith as you stated:
“As a Black Male, Pastor, Educator, & a commissioner”
For all those reasons, is why you should have voted against the Mayor attempt to rescind his censure for Lying.
As a Black Male, you should know better to cry False racism.
As a Pastor, you should have a Moral Conscious.
As an Educator, you should know how to apply common sense.
As a Human Being, you should treat people the way you want to be treated.
As a Commissioner, your Loyalty should only be to the citizens of Apopka.
After I heard and saw all the Facts about the email Commissioner Smith sent to Commissioner Nesta.
It is clear to me that Commissioner Smith wrong for email comments to Commissioner Nesta.
The City of Apopka deserves so much better!!
@JimNisbet, you are just a deflection from the truth.
Today Report this
JimNisbet
WOW! What a wonderful group of saintly people responding to my comment here. People who have never told a fib... Never misspoke... Every word you speak is always 100% the truth...
So, I say the mayor misspoke. Some of you persist he lied. OK, let's go down that road. He lied. Can anyone tell me what lasting negative affect the lie had? Who got ripped off? Who suffered any damage whatsoever? How did the mayor benefit form said lie? This is why I'm "accepting" of this. If the man was going to intentionally lie about something, one would think there would be some lasting benefit for him in doing so right? Anyone?? If this is "The Big One..." The lie to end all lies... Well you all must live pretty blessed lives because I see far worse from regular people every day!
Some specific responses:
@GarciaMegan, "you mean the countless outreach events," (every commissioner attends these), "dollars out of his own pocket to ensure babyland at one of our local cemeteries is free to family’s that find themselves burying an infant," (no idea what you're talking about here, but ok, there's one thing) "advocating for city workers and minorities etc?" (please tell me which commissioner DOESN'T do this) "after the decades this city has been neglected by its leadership (insert poor road conditions and other underdeveloped infrastructure, understaffed safety departments, water safety issues just to name a few)." What has Nick done about the roads, infrastructure/staff/etc.? This is a favorite of mine. The population of Apopka, and all of Central Florida, has EXPLODED at a rate that absolutely no one could have predicted or planned for. Considering that, most local government have done a remarkable job handling the growth. Perfect? No, but what is? I love when people complain about the roads here. I'm originally from NJ, you truly have no idea what bad roads are if you think we have it bad. Truly. No concept of poor planning and bad roads. None. LOL!
@MDuran, you already regret making the comment, so I won't respond. We can agree to disagree I think.
@VoiceOfTheCommonMan, Is this you Nick? LOL I hope so. Because I hope there's not another out there so arrogant that they would presume to tell another person how they should think based on their perception of another race and religion... Wow... Just wow.
HI MAMAMIA!!
Today Report this