Also from August 2006: "Progressive neighbors" publish their endorsements for the primary

Campaign contributions can
compromise candidates
August 2006

In a time when the reference to Abramoff implies bought-off politicians, the up-coming local primary on September 12 separates those that are “on the take” and those who have said no. More and more candidates have begun to grasp the concept that it is a conflict of interest to accept money from special interests and developers who will, in turn expect access to the politician and approval of projects that benefit them monetarily but are not necessarily in the best interest of a majority of their constituents.

What this new wave of candidates are saying is that all of their constituents deserve access, from the low income tenant threatened with eviction due to condominium conversions to the large donor/developer who wishes to present a project for approval.

Since he was first elected, Councilmember Phil Andrews in District 3, has rejected all campaign contributions from development interests and PACs. (He's currently being challenged by Bob Dorsey, who welcomes such funds). Duchy Trachtenberg and Marc Elrich, two serious at-large candidates also pledge not to take developer funds.

In sharp contrast, Councilmember Mike Subin gets 83% of his money from developers. But the record for the largest amount of developer pay off goes to County Executive candidate Steve Silverman who pulls in a whopping $1 million from developers. So, you really have to wonder how much his tongue is in his cheek when his glitzy brochure begins by talking about limiting and managing growth. What chutzpah!

The rest of the former end-gridlock slate all fail to comprehend how developer money compromises them. Nancy Floreen takes in $134,530 (62%). To his credit, George Leventhal is the lowest, with $74,633 (43 %) from developers). When non constituent contributions are significantly less to a candidate, one wonders how much their voice is heard above the special interests. Has representative democracy being redefined?

The independent council members accept only small amounts--Marilyn Praisner, $3,433 (18%) and Tom Perez, $35,500 (15%). Republican Howard Denis recently announced he'll limit his developer contributions to 33%.

At a 20th District candidates forum, Senator Ida Ruben was challenged by candidate Jamie Raskin to limit her developer and special interest contributions. Needless to say, in the spirit of the old style pols, she would not respond to this challenge. She just cannot grasp how this way of thinking compromises her and, more tragically, her constituents. Ethics, special interests, conflict of interest are simply not a part of her consciousness.

So, the next time you pass a neighbor's lawn and see signs for Silverman, Subin, Floreen, Ruben, and the other incumbents and candidates who are "on-the-take" politicians, gently suggest to your neighbors to visit the www.neighborspac.org website and check out which politicians are owned by special interests and which truly represent their constituents.

Michael Tabor is a Takoma Park-based organic farmer and activist.

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