Manatee County school board member Robert Gause in precarious position with conflicts of interest

The questionable performance and functionality of Manatee County School Board member Robert Gause may be addressed in next summer's election ... if he runs for re-election.

A few weeks ago he wrote a commentary that the perceived public perception of the board's dysfunctionality was not reality. He wrote this shortly after the district released an employee/community survey that basically gave the school board a 15 percent approval rating.

From my perspective, the dysfunctionality of the school board has and continues to be a reality. Of course, being the chair of the school board for the past 11 months, Gause would love everyone to believe everything is fine. It is not.

Fine is far from board meetings finishing earlier or everyone seemingly getting along. This is more election year posturing for two board members.

Fine is how the board leads and are making decisions that best serves the district and students. I already cited one example in a previous letter where the board clearly failed to do so.

I have seen many defining moments of Robert Gause that raises concerns among many as to who he is serving as an elected board member.

However, his defining moment for me is every time he recuses himself from voting on contracts or related agenda items for potential conflicts of interest from his landscaping design business.

I believe Gause has recused himself approximately 50 times since 2011. This raises a serious concern, at least in my mind, as to his effectiveness as a school board member and where his interests may align.

An elected official can only serve one master. A school board member serves the citizens of the county and students/employees of the district.

Hence, a school board member should not be knowingly in a position where his business dealings causes continuing or frequent recurring conflicts of interest where one can question that it impedes the full and faithful discharge of his duties.

If he is in that position, he should step down and pursue his business interests. (reference: 2015 Florida Statute 112.313 Standards of Conduct for Public Officers)

Rick Mills

East Manatee

This story was originally published October 18, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee County school board member Robert Gause in precarious position with conflicts of interest ."