Sanibel council member resigns over new disclosure form
An elected city official recently resigned, citing a new state law regarding financial disclosures.
Sanibel City Councilmember Dr. Scott Crater tendered his resignation effective Dec. 28.
In an email to City Manager Dana Souza and the rest of the council, he explained that his resignation was due to Senate Bill 774, titled “Ethics Requirements for Public Officials,” which was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year. The law took effect starting on Jan. 1.
“The state now requires council members to fill out Form 6, a financial disclosure form that involves listing all assets valued over $1,000, stating the name and value of every share of stock owned, stating the address and value of all real estate owned (even in other states), stating household income, and stating net worth, among other things,” Crater reported in a statement provided to the Island Reporter.
According to a press release from the city, SB774 amended sections of state Statutes, including who must file a Florida Financial Disclosure Statement or Form 6. Certain local officers, mayors and elected members of the governing body of a municipality are required to annually file a Form 6 full and public disclosure of financial interest’s statement with the Florida Commission on Ethics under the new law.
“Form 6 requires filers to report their net worth, assets, and liabilities,” the city reported. “The filer must identify and report the specific value of each asset which exceeds $1,000 in value and provide the name and address of any creditor for each liability which exceeds $1,000 and must submit a statement of the value of the reporting person’s net worth as of Dec. 31 of the preceding year or a more current date.”
It added that council members were previously required to file a Form 1, “which is a less detailed disclosure of financial interests.”
In his statement, Crater outlined his concerns with and arguments against the new law.
“My wife and I own our home and the vacant lot next door. We do not have business interests or rental property on the island. We do not have any interest in any businesses that do business with the city. That should be sufficient disclosure, in my opinion,” he shared, adding that he has filed Form 1 several times.
“Sanibel council members are unpaid, and unpaid positions should not be subject to these new requirements, which are an unnecessary invasion of privacy. These requirements will limit the pool of those willing to serve as city council members, and this will weaken city governments throughout the state,” Crater continued, pointing out that council members in Naples and Fort Myers Beach have also resigned and dozens of local officials around Florida have stepped down as a result of the law.
“This new legislation is frustrating, because the rules were changed in the middle of the current council members’ terms,” he added. “Local officials should have been given the opportunity to finish their term, and then decide to run again based on the new disclosure requirements.”
Crater also spoke to his time on the council, explaining that he “agonized over this decision.”
“I have loved serving on council, and I have learned so much,” he shared. “Local governments are so close to the people they serve, and councils thrive on the input they receive from the community. We learn from the public comment every time we meet, and we learn from each other. The process is deliberate and transparent.”
“I am very sad to resign before my term is up. Serving on council has been one of the most interesting and satisfying jobs I have ever had. It’s been my privilege to serve our small, close-knit community,” Crater continued, adding that the rest of the council has his respect and admiration and praising the job done by Souza, Deputy City Manager and Finance Director Steve Chaipel, and all city staff.
He concluded by voicing gratefulness for the community’s trust in allowing him to serve.
“In a sometimes divided world, Sanibel has been a beacon of unity and civility during the process of hurricane recovery. Without this cooperation, we would not have made the progress that we have,” Crater shared. “The future is bright here in our island paradise.”
Mayor Richard Johnson responded to Scott’s resignation in the city release.
“Dr. Scott Crater has served the citizens of Sanibel with honor and distinction during his time on the city council. His leadership and collegiality displayed, especially in the days and months following Hurricane Ian, was vital to Sanibel’s response and recovery efforts,” he reported. “I know this was a difficult decision for Scott, and his presence will surely be missed on the city council.”
The council will discuss the process to appoint someone to temporarily fill Crater’s vacated seat at its meeting on Jan. 16. It will also discuss holding the required special election to permanently fill it.
Crater was elected in March of 2021 to serve a four-year term.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email