After seeing three of their own go to federal prison on corruption charges in less than three years, a majority of Palm Beach County commissioners say they support creating a politically independent watchdog to monitor county government.

A county grand jury recommended such an entity in a report last month, suggesting as a model the Office of Inspector General that Miami-Dade County created after corruption scandals there in the 1990s.

Four Palm Beach County commissioners — Steven Abrams, Karen Marcus, Jess Santamaria and Shelley Vana — say they support the concept of an inspector general.

Commission Chairman Jeff Koons has said he opposes the idea. Commissioner Burt Aaronson said the idea “merits discussion” and he hasn’t taken a final position.

Commissioners are scheduled to discuss the grand jury report July 21.

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(AP) — Former House Speaker Ray Sansom is facing a new charge of perjury.

State Attorney Willie Meggs says Sansom lied to a grand jury when he testified that a proposed Northwest Florida State College airport hangar wouldn’t be used for by any private entity.

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