Councilman Tom Babcock, responding to residents' questions, said at a council meeting Wednesday that Janke was fired because his wife's profession brought an inaccurate image to Fort Myers Beach, according to the News-Press of Fort Myers.
"When you become a public figure you are held to a different level of scrutiny and ethics," Babcock said.
What baffles me is that Janke is said to have done a splendid job during his time with Fort Myers Beach, but was fired due to concerns of "whether Janke could remain effective and not distract the community from the business of the town along the state's west coast."
Janke has been married to his wife since October 2008. He has worked for Fort Myers Beach since March of 08. There is no timeframe given for when the Jankes met and began their courtship. During their time together, though, Mrs. Janke has kept a low profile about her career in the adult industry. Mr. Janke went about doing a good job as town manager. Life went on. Had Mrs. Janke been more "out" about her profession, I could understand the council's concerns. Based on the mixed opinions being reported, I would go so far as to say that by firing Janke, the Fort Myers Beach council has done what they wanted to avoid: causing division and distracting people from the business of the town.
Another baffling aspect of this story comes from Mayor Larry Kiker who called the meeting that resulted in Janke's dismissal. He compliments Janke's performance, even goes so far as to call the couple "friends." Yet, he still felt that Mrs. Janke's job was a concern to Mr. Janke's job performance. Talk about separation of business and personal!
"You're fired. We still going surfing on Saturday?"
Agree? Disagree? Let's hear your thoughts.
Associated Press: Fla. Town Fires Manager Married to Porn Star
Adult Industry News: Politician's Porn Star Wife
Wink News: New details: Porn Star Gets Town Manager Husband Fired
