I was a political consultant and campaign manager for many campaigns. I got out of politics because it stinks like three-day old fish. Today I'm singling out Tampa's leaders, although (frankly) virtually all leaders are corrupt. I have stories that would curl your hair.
Today the St. Pete Times ran a story that amazed me from the sheer chutzpah that is shown. Tampa's City Council has voted to allow themselves to accept gifts that are valued at more than $100. Their justification for this greed is that they are expected to attend certain events that have ticket prices which are valued at more than $100. Yet, they were very careful to not bar themselves from accepting ANY gifts. Besides, if they are 'expected' to attend these events, then the city should PAY for them to go. Right?
They justify this by pointing to state law, which is much more lenient (and allows people in government to accept larger gifts from lobbyists and special interest groups).
The Tampa City Council hasn't made their final decision on this, so if you don't approve, tell them loud and clear. And while you're at it, you might want to let your state and local officials know that you don't approve of their taking such obvious bribes, either.
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8 comments:
Aw, what's a few Bucs tickets and trips to Bermuda, as long as it's among friends? Such cynicism. I bet the givers don't expect a thing in return. That would be my guess....
Old Hoss, You know, you have a point. I'll bet they take the gifts just because they don't want to offend anyone by declining them. It's all about good manners, after all... *rolling eyes*
Nettled Musician, so you're in the music scene? I just checked out your blog. Nice!
The local newspaper here has been publishing the trips that the politicians and high-ranking civil servants have been taking. Why to they always have to have meetings and conferences at resorts? The hotels here in the capital have plenty of meeting/conference space.
I thought the Philly City government was corrupt, but Tampa's definitely worse.
Dddragon, the sad truth is that they don't need to take ANY trips. It can all be done by conference call now. That is, if it's BUSINESS.
Polanco, you should see the Seminole City government. They just put out a calendar of many of their city leaders: in the buff. And it wasn't pretty. Plus, the graft is amazing. Still, it's not as bad as Louisianna.
Mr. Cheesecake, define 'quality.' :o)
My tax dollars hard at work. I saw this today, and will have something to say about it when my representative has a town meeting.
It's pretty hard to beat Pennsylvania for corrupt politicians.
Our PA School Employee Retirement Board meets annually in Hawaii. Their ONLY business is the retirement funds of the PA school employees. So how is it that they need to go to Hawaii to discuss this subject? It's just too amazing.
They don't need to go to New Jersey to discuss the retirement funds of people who live and work in PA for gosh sakes! They don't even need to cross the F***ing street to conduct their business. They have built themselves a big, beautiful building, using said retirement funds. Can't they meet in it? Give me strength.
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