Page 3 - Clemency Board News Today

The Canterbury School's director of school safety has resigned following an arrest for possessing a gun as a convicted felon.

In a suit filed Monday in Broward County Circuit Court, Rod Velez is challenging both Gov. Ron DeSantis and Daniel Foganholi, who the governor appointed on Dec. 22, shortly after declaring the seat vacant.

Prosecutors say Rod Velez is currently ineligible to hold the Broward School Board seat, casting doubts on whether Velez can actually be sworn in.

As law enforcement agencies investigate whether Rod Velez committed a crime when he filed to run for Broward School Board, his lawyers are arguing in court that he is “constitutionally eligible” to hold office.

Wake up right with Sunburn — big scoops and other news about Florida politics.

The turkey guys have a vision for what comes next.

Four new and two returning Broward School Board members are scheduled to be sworn in, but a clemency issue may prevent Rod Velez from joining the board.

Rod Velez has been dogged by questions about his eligibility due to a felony conviction. His voting rights were restored in 2020, but that didn’t automatically guarantee other rights, including holding public office and serving on a jury, according to rules prepared by the Board of Clemency. Other newly elected or reelected members were sworn in to the Broward School Board Tuesday.

The winners will represent a district that has undergone extreme upheaval since Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended and replaced four School Board members three days after the last election.

There are good reasons Gov. Ron DeSantis should pardon Floridians with state convictions for simple marijuana possession — and 2 reasons he shouldn’t.