**To the Palm Coast City Council and Governor Ron DeSantis,**

We, the undersigned residents of Palm Coast, Florida, call for the immediate removal of Charles Gambaro from his position as City Council Member for District 4. While we respect the role of the council, we believe Mr. Gambaro’s actions have undermined effective governance and burdened taxpayers, as outlined below:

1. **Initiating a Costly Investigation Based on Unsubstantiated Claims**: Mr. Gambaro spearheaded an investigation into Mayor Mike Norris, accusing him of malfeasance and charter violations, including attempts to fire city staff and unprofessional conduct. On April 22, 2025, Gambaro moved for a no-confidence vote and censure against Norris, followed by a motion on May 1, 2025, to request Norris’s removal by Governor Ron DeSantis. Critics argue these actions were based on rumors or exaggerated claims, as Norris has not been charged with any crimes, and the investigation’s findings remain contentious.[](https://1033wvyb.com/palm-coast-mayor-faced-with-results-of-investigation/)[](https://flaglerlive.com/norris-special-meeting/)[](https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2025/04/22/palm-coast-mayor-no-show-after-investigation-released/83212805007/

2. **Wasting Taxpayer Money on Legal Fees**: The investigation into Norris, supported by Gambaro, involved hiring an independent law firm (Lawson), costing taxpayers significant funds. Residents are frustrated that these resources were diverted from critical needs like infrastructure and water system improvements to fuel what some call a “political circus.” The ongoing legal proceedings, including a complaint to the Florida Commission on Ethics, continue to accrue costs without clear evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Norris.[](https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2025/apr/22/council-votes-to-censure-mayor-mike-norris-will-file-complaint-with-ethics-commission/)[](https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2025/apr/21/investigation-results-palm-coast-mayor-mike-norris-inappropriate-and-unprofessional-behavior-violated-city-charter/)[](https://flaglerlive.com/enough-is-enough-an-open-letter-to-palm-coast-mayor-mike-norris/

3. **Contributing to Council Dysfunction**: Gambaro’s motions, including the unprecedented censure and no-confidence votes against Norris on April 22, 2025, have deepened divisions within the City Council. His actions have been criticized for escalating personal and political conflicts, hindering collaborative governance, and tarnishing Palm Coast’s image. Some residents view Gambaro as prioritizing vendettas over the city’s pressing needs.[](https://flaglerlive.com/council-statements-norris/)[](https://flaglerlive.com/palm-coast-council-excoriates-an-absent-mayor-norris-in-extraordinary-unanimous-censure-and-no-confidence-vote/

4. **Questionable Legitimacy of Appointment**: Appointed on October 1, 2024, by a council with outgoing members, Gambaro’s selection has been challenged by Norris and residents as lacking a public mandate. This perception fuels concerns that his aggressive pursuit of Norris’s removal lacks legitimacy and reflects personal or factional interests rather than the will of Palm Coast voters.[](https://flaglerlive.com/palm-coast-council-excoriates-an-absent-mayor-norris-in-extraordinary-unanimous-censure-and-no-confidence-vote/)[](https://flaglerlive.com/palm-coast-council-poised-removal/

We believe Mr. Gambaro’s actions constitute a misuse of authority and a failure to prioritize the interests of Palm Coast residents. His leadership in costly, divisive investigations has wasted taxpayer resources and distracted from urgent community priorities. We respectfully request that the Palm Coast City Council and/or Governor Ron DeSantis:

- Review Mr. Gambaro’s actions for potential malfeasance or neglect of duty under Florida Statutes Chapter 112.
- Remove Mr. Gambaro from the District 4 seat.
- Facilitate a transparent process to fill the vacancy, preferably through a special election to ensure voter representation.