Campaign Contributions and Rezonings

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This is a very contentious issue, and raises more questions than answers, so it's left to the reader to reach his/her own conclusions. According to records released by the incumbents, the overwhelming portion of the $56,750 (most recent figures we have) received by the incumbents has come from developers and special interests. See below. Yet all of the incumbents adamantly deny that this money in any way influences their decisions on the council. We're not talking about 100, 200, or 300 dollars; we're talking about very large amounts. 

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So let's apply the "sniff test". We're told that the contributions are freely given and accepted without any conditions or expectations. Doesn't that bring up the question: If these developers are so generous with these large donations, why aren't they giving that amount to charity? Veterans, youth groups, homeless, abused women, etc? When you donate to charity - any charity - you feel rewarded by knowing that you helped improve the lives of many people. So what is the reward that these donors are looking for that supersedes the rewards of charitable giving? Do contributions and rezoning decisions go hand in hand?

 

You decide.

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