Jim Naugle Voted Off Tourism Development Council

Via the Florida Progressive Coalition: Broward County commissioners voted Mayor Jim Naugle off the Tourism Development Council.

County commissioners accused him of jeopardizing the area's multibillion-dollar tourism industry. They said Naugle forced them to take the unprecedented step of stripping him of the job when he ignored warnings to stop his attacks.

Since Naugle made his initial allegations about rampant gay sex in public restrooms nearly two months ago, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has been deluged with hundreds of angry e-mails from tourists. Some said they had canceled vacations, while others threatened to go elsewhere.

Naugle is unrepentant.

"Sometimes the easiest thing to do when you don't want to hear something is to shoot the messenger, but that doesn't mean that there is not a problem out there that needs to be addressed," Naugle said.

"Let's do the right thing. Let's throw him off this council," said Commissioner Ken Keechl.

The message is hurting the local economy. Politicians will quickly jump into action when the bottom line is affected.

Commissioner Stacy Ritter on backlash against Naugle's comments

Commissioner Ken Keechl voicing support in voted Naugle off TDC

Keechl: Let's do the right thing

Commissioner Suzanne Gunzberger on tolerance

Finally, Charlie Crist has no comment on the Naugle controversy. A true profile in courage.

Charlie Crist video