Hallandale Beach commissioner blasts vice mayor for corruption scandal

Bill Julian accused of soliciting, accepting bribe

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Hallandale Beach Commissioner Keith London revealed a letter Wednesday that he wrote to Gov. Rick Scott regarding alleged admissions Vice Mayor Bill Julian made on an answering machine that Local 10 News investigative reporter Bob Norman brought to light.

London said the tape clearly illustrates a major political corruption scandal surrounding Julian.

"Soliciting a bribe, accepting a bribe and trading his vote for campaign contributions," London said.

When London wanted to discuss it at Wednesday's special meeting, it was dismissed as a point of order and the meeting, run by Mayor Joy Cooper, who is one of Julian's allies, devolved into a name-calling session.

"Commissioner London is under investigation as well with the (Office of Inspector General)," Cooper said.

Another commissioner who was present at the meeting refuted Cooper's claim.

"Everybody is trying to accuse everybody. ... It's like we're a laughing stock," Commissioner Anthony Sanders said.

Meanwhile, Julian seemed to be the only commissioner with nothing to say.

"It is an allegation and, you know, it's an investigation," Julian told Local 10 News reporter Todd Tongen.

"Is there anything you want to say to your constituents?" Tongen asked.

"Not at this time," Julian said.

A scheduled meeting to discuss the alleged bribery scandal surrounding Julian will take place at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7.

Hallandale Beach residents who wish to comment during the public forum need to sign up in advance.