- May 4, 2024
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Flagler County Commissioners have opted not to reappoint planning board member and Captain's BBQ co-owner Mike Goodman to his board position, with one commissioner saying that Goodman's restaurant's lawsuit against the county creates a conflict of interest.
Commissioners were tasked with reviewing Goodman's and fellow Planning and Development Board member Jack Corbett's seats as their terms expire.
They opted to reappoint Corbett but not Goodman. Goodman, a planning board member-at-large, was appointed Nov. 5, 2018; his term ends Nov. 5, 2021.
Goodman owns the Captain's BBQ restaurant with Chris Herrera. The restaurant operates on land at the county park known as Bings Landing, on the Intracoastal, and sued the county government in 2019 after the County Commission initially agreed to replace the restaurant building with a bigger one, but then reneged on that commitment.
"Until that lawsuit is cancelled, you always have a possible conflict of interest," Commissioner David Sullivan said after proposing that the commission reject Goodman's reappointment. "Until that lawsuit is completed and established, I think it would be wise for him not to be on the Planning and Development Board."
Sullivan said he thought Goodman's presence was a negative influence on the board.
Goodman said there is no conflict, and noted that he's the only planning board member with an advanced degree in urban planning.
"Small minds think small. I have no conflict," Goodman said. "I believe in giving back. I do that on a host of issues ... because it’s the right thing to do. ... David Sullivan did a disservice to the residents of Flagler County by removing the only person on that board who had an advanced degree in planning."
Sullivan's motion to appoint Corbett but not Goodman passed 3-1, with Commissioner Greg Hansen dissenting and Commissioner Andy Dance abstaining due to a previous business involvement with Goodman.
