Investigations Find No Wrongdoing in Campaign-Sign Incident Involving Former Library Director

Pensacola, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Two investigations have ended without findings of wrongdoing in a campaign-sign controversy involving former West Florida Public Libraries Director Christal Bell-Rivera and her husband, Escambia County Sheriff's Office employee Ronnie Rivera.

The findings come as Escambia County Commissioners are separately working to resolve months of controversy surrounding the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance and the process that will eventually be used to select another permanent library director.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons told the Pensacola News Journal that an internal affairs investigation found Ronnie Rivera did not violate Sheriff's Office policy. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement separately determined there was no basis to open a criminal investigation into the incident.

Both investigations are now closed with no further action.

Campaign-Sign Complaint

The investigations followed a complaint filed Aug. 12 by Republican Florida House District 2 candidate Trei McMullen.

McMullen alleged Bell-Rivera and her husband moved campaign signs belonging to McMullen's opponent in a way that blocked McMullen's signs outside the Bellview Library.

Bell-Rivera resigned as West Florida Public Libraries director one day before the complaint was filed. Escambia County did not publicly state a reason for her resignation.

Her attorney has since argued the completed investigations vindicate Bell-Rivera and her husband.

The investigative findings do not address the separate controversy surrounding Bell-Rivera's selection as library director.

Library Hiring Controversy Resurfaces

That issue returned during Thursday's Escambia County Commission meeting.

Bell-Rivera had been selected by County Administrator Wes Moreno despite the Library Board of Governance recommending another candidate following its interview and ranking process.

Commissioner Lumon May said Thursday the process had become controversial and acknowledged the administrator had the authority to make the ultimate hiring decision, but that the decision differed from the board's recommendation.

Commissioner Michael Kohler also called for clear qualifications to be established before another permanent library director is selected.

Governance Board Vacancies Moving Toward Resolution

The five-member Library Board of Governance has not met since April and currently has two vacant county-appointed seats.

Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to reopen applications for those positions for two weeks.

All applicants are expected to come before commissioners for consideration Nov. 5.

County Administrator Wes Moreno also told commissioners he is willing to resume Governance Board meetings.

The commission additionally discussed reviewing the board's governing documents and clarifying the respective roles of the Governance Board, county administrator and County Commission before another permanent library director is selected.