The Citrus County Commission today approved by a vote of 4-1 Vince Cautero as the new head of the county's Development Services Division.

Cautero replaces Gary Maihdof, who was reassigned under County Administrator Brad Thorpe. Cautero's nomination was opposed by county commissioner Gary Bartell.

Addressing the county commission, Cautero told commissioners that he was told when he went to Collier County in 1996 that he had to maintain a high profile, and that included games of golf. In April 2000, he said, an engineer approached him and told him "there was a problem" -- impact fees on a dozen golf courses had not been assessed. "This occurred between April and October of 2000," Cautero said.

The total amount of the unassessed fees totaled $2.4 million, he said.

The media, he said, joined together free rounds of golf with developers and impact fees.

"I made a linkage in my mind. I knew my days were numbered, and they were. I was asked to leave by the county administrator," Cautero said.

During comments by Citrus County Commissioners, Dennis Damato asked Cautero questions pertaining to how he would do the job, Commissioner Joe Meek told Cautero what he was looking for in the position and that he was excited that Cautero was coming aboard.

Commissioner Winn Webb said he assumed that law enforcement was involved in the allegations against him. Cautero acknowledged the arrests of Collier County Commissioners and others in the Stadium Naples case. Webb said he wanted to be sure Cautero was "cleared."

County Commissioner Gary Bartell said he wouldn't disparage Cautero, but said that Cautero didn't represent "a breath of fresh air." Commissioner John Thrumston at first said he didn't favor bringing back someone who has been in the county before. "I have to lean to where Commissioner Bartell. We have always been looking for a breath of fresh air, and it's not something I can support."

Later, however, after public comment, Thrumston changed his mind and supported Cautero's nomination.

Commissioner Winn Webb said he was giving Cautero the chance to "come in and see if you can do (the job)."

During public comment, those who spoke against Cautero framed their questions around what Cautero did in his jobs post-Citrus County.

Lecanto resident Christopher Lloyd said Collier County audits from 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001 should be evidence enough not to hire Cautero.

Citrus County Council President Theodora Rusnak also spoke, and told commissioners the audit reports showed the lack of Cautero's management skills. "We are in a very tight situation here (in the county)," Rusnak said. "We go back to someone who has a very spotty record. This is very, very disappointing, gentlemen."

Al Grubman told commissioners there was a danger of the county hitting a new low with Cautero's hiring. "We should be pursing excellence here in Citrus County," Grubman said. He said Thorpe did a "bad job" in advancing Cautero's name to fill the Development Services position.

Also during public comment, county residents who spoke on behalf of Cautero framed their comments around Cautero's previous service to Citrus County, and what they hoped he could do as Development Services Director now.

Avis Craig, from the county property appraiser's office, said she supported Cautero. She said she was "saddened" by public comments she heard today. She said allegations made about ethical behavior would not kept Cautero as a member if he were not behaving ethically. She also said he ranked high in the Rotary leadership, and would not have done so if he were not ethical.

"While, unfortunately, there are thing s that happen when you sit it that chair, and you take responsibility, the captain take the hit. Whatever happened at that time, he was forthcoming. She said commissioners needed to give him "a fair shake."

Jim Neil, former Citrus County attorney, also spoke on Cautero's behalf. "I think he will be able to give Citrus County a fresh look." He also agreed with Craig's comments. Neil is also a Rotarian. He also said Cautero's boss was responsible for the audit failures.

Another former county attorney attorney also threw his support behind Cautero. Vince Craig recalled the days when Cautero was here, and told commissioners what a good job Cautero did at that time."I've known him since 1985, and this county is lucky to have him," the attorney said.

Ron Lieberman, Citrus County Builders Association, said the group could work with Cautero, and was glad to have him.

Developer and Citrus County Chamber of Commerce executive Dixie Hollins told commissioners he had been through some of the trials and tribulations Cautero has been through. He also talked about his relationship to Cautero while Cautero was in Citrus County. "Vince does bring fresh air, and he is an honorable man," Hollins said.

After public comment, Commissioner Webb said Cautero had been judged guilty "by innuendo," and that it made him "sick."

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