At the April 6, 2026, Lakeland City Commission meeting, community activist Harlem Turner formally requested the removal of four members of the Lakeland Housing Authority (LHA) Board of Commissioners. This request marks a significant escalation in a months-long dispute involving allegations of mismanagement and a lack of oversight.
The Requested Removals
Turner specifically named four of the seven board members for ousting:
- David Samples (Chairman)
- Annie Gibson (Vice Chairman)
- Stacy Campbell-Domineck
- Charles Welch (The resident commissioner)
Turner argued that a “fresh start” is necessary, claiming the current board has failed to hold Executive Director Ben Stevenson accountable. He specifically noted that Welch, who lives in LHA housing, is in an “impossible position” where he simply follows the lead of other members.
Core Allegations and Conflict
The push for removal stems from over seven months of public testimony and complaints from residents and former employees. Key issues include:
- Lack of Oversight: Critics, including City Commissioner Guy LaLonde Jr., argue the board is too deferential to the Executive Director. LaLonde has stated, “My concern is the executive director is telling the board what to do, instead of the board telling him.”
- Operational Concerns: Residents have alleged favoritism in housing placements, nepotism, delayed maintenance, and retaliation against those who speak out (such as the non-renewal of leases).
- The Audit Dispute: Last fall, Commissioner LaLonde requested an independent third-party investigation. Stevenson later informed him the board had “declined” the audit, though no public vote or discussion on the matter ever occurred, leading to questions about potential Sunshine Law violations.
Legal and Federal Constraints
The City Commission’s power to act is complex. While the Mayor appoints and the Commission confirms board members, the LHA is a federally funded agency operating under HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) guidelines.
| Official | Position/Stance |
| Mayor Sara McCarley | Acknowledged the complaints but noted this was the first direct request for removal; staff must now review legal and federal constraints. |
| Commissioner Guy LaLonde | Supports the removal of at least two members (Samples and Campbell-Domineck) and has been a vocal advocate for an independent audit. |
| Ben Stevenson (LHA Director) | Has denied all allegations, calling them “false and misleading” and describing the situation as a “revenge tour” by disgruntled former staff. |
What Happens Next?
Turner’s request is now part of the official city record. Commissioner Ashley Troutman has indicated interest in discussing the issue further. However, the city’s legal team and the Mayor must first determine the specific legal process for removing board members before their terms expire, as well as how such a move would impact federal compliance.