During the discussion of public access to beaches on Perdido Key at the board’s March 26 meeting, Escambia County Commissioner Steve Stroberger said that Commissioner Mike Kohler shouldn’t be allowed to vote on customary use because of accepting campaign donations from people in the audience who want it.
Stroberger said, “When I ran for this job, I said that I will never compromise my honor. I’ll never dishonor my wife, my family. I do not lie.”
- He added, “You said that I’m basically in their (condo owners) pocket. It’s not true. I am not. You guys have no idea. I’m self-funded. I’m an independent up here. I don’t even think Mike Kohler should be able to vote on customary use because I think you (Melissa Pino) were at his fundraiser, and so was Kevin (Wade).”
Fact Check: Stroberger did not completely self-fund his campaign. Nearly three-fourths of his campaign monetary contributions came from others, including Clerk Pam Childers, former commissioner Gene Valentino, Medical Examiner Dr. Deanna Oleske, Commissioner Kohler’s wife and several developers and contractors, according to the Supervisor of Elections website.
- Even if you include his loan to the campaign and his in-kind contributions, Stroberger only contributed $35K of the $62.6K spent to get elected in 2024—56%. Yes, it’s a significant amount, but he had financial help from others to win.
Cash $ 9,000.00
In-Kind $ 24,321.89…