ORLANDO — The race for Orange County tax collector has taken a controversial turn. For years, Earl K. Wood’s photo was the only one on the Orange County tax collector's website, but that all changed last week.
Shortly after filing papers to run for Wood’s position, Assistant County Tax Collector Kelly Goodwin’s photo appeared on the website.
Wood has been elected tax collector 12 times since 1964. Some Orange County residents believe the 95-year-old is crossing the line by giving allowing Goodwin’s photo to be posted.
"In a couple of ways, it doesn't really pass the smell test," said Aubrey Jewett, University of Central Florida political science professor. "Taxpayer resources shouldn't be used for campaign purposes. I don't think that this is illegal per se. But it does violate the spirit of the law."
In the meantime, WFTV reporter Lori Brown checked the websites of Florida's 66 other tax collectors. While many display the elected tax collector, none picture an unelected assistant.
“She wasn't the one elected,” said Jewett. “My advice to her would be to take it down before it causes a big stink and blows up in her face.”
CPA Rod Eddins is one of four candidates, other than Goodwin, running for tax collector.
“It is a use of public resources, the website of the Orange County tax collector, for a political campaign,” said Eddins.
Goodwin released the following statement on Monday:
“The Orange County Tax Collector's Office website has been a work in progress for many months. … My photo was a part of that process because I am the face … for comments and concerns with our office."
Goodwin added that Wood made the decision to put her photo up.
Among the four other candidates also running for the post is former city commissioner Vicki Vargas.
A former Orange County mayor, Rich Crotty, is also considering running for the office. Crotty has served as property appraiser in the past.
WFTV
