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  Page takes stand in corruption trial to defend actions
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Last EditedCBlock941  Sep 22, 2006 07:57am
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CategoryScandal
MediaNewspaper - Orlando Sentinel
News DateFriday, September 22, 2006 01:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionSuspended Orlando Commissioner Ernest Page, fighting for his freedom and his political career, took the stand in his own defense against corruption charges Thursday.

Page, 64, appeared relaxed and confident as he tried to convince jurors that he wasn't trying to make money for himself or his community-development company by pursuing the redevelopment of a group of run-down apartment complexes in southwest Orlando.

The purpose was "to clean that area up. To get rid of the crime. To enhance the quality of life for everybody in that area," Page testified on the third day of his trial in Orange Circuit Court as family, friends and supporters looked on.

But his confidence seemed to wilt under intense grilling by prosecutors, and a rebuttal witness later cast doubt on his version of events.

Page faces two felony counts, bribery and receiving unlawful compensation for an official action, for his role in a plan to convert the apartments into condominiums.
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