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→Controversy
==Controversy==
On [[March 18]], [[2007]], the ''[[Pensacola News Journal]]'' reported that council chairperson [[Michelle MacNeil]] and vice-chair/treasurer [[Melanie Nichols]] were threatening resignation following claims that Manley had made payments from the group's budget, benefitting herself and family members, without council authorization. In a draft of her resignation letter obtained by the newspaper, MacNeil (who is white) said that her concern regarding Manley (who is black) had been met with "resistance, hostility and personal attacks" and that "my race has clouded reasonable judgment of my character."<ref>[http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070318/NEWS01/703180326 Audit, race shake charity] - [[Pensacola News Journal]], March 18, 2007</ref> MacNeil also alleged that Manley's administrative duties, such as paying utility bills, had been neglected.
On [[March 20]], the News Journal reported that inspectors from the Florida Department of Community Affairs would be sent to investigate the allegations.<ref>[http://pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070320/NEWS01/703200321/1006 State to probe Front Porch] - [[Pensacola News Journal]], March 20, 2007</ref> Later that day, Manley held a press conference where she denied many of the allegations and offered explanations for others. Two council members at the press conference, Reverend [[Hugh King]] and [[Dolores Curry]], defended Manley and accused MacNeil and Nichols of racism. Another board member in attendance, [[Meredith Reeves]] (who is MacNeil's cousin), said of Manley, "She’s not good at doing the day-to-day office business... [but] has good intentions."<ref>[http://inweekly.net/article.asp?artID=4315 The Buzz: Front Porch Debate] - [[Independent News]], March 22, 2007</ref>
