Thank You for Your Paid Support

Recently dismissed ethics complaints against three lobbyists provide a glimpse into how 
br1.jpg
By Alex Izaguirre
developers will pay off so-called community activists to win support for their projects.

In finding that zoning lawyers Juan Mayol, Joseph Goldstein, and Richard Perez did in fact register to lobby on behalf of their client Q2 -- a group of developers that want to build residential homes just outside of Florida City -- the ethics commission exposed another problem.

Turns out that Mayol "did not disclose $30,000 paid to South Miami-Dade community activist Kentward Forbes to bring speakers to public meetings to show support for the projects," according to a December 9 press release from the ethics commission.

The watchdog agency further determined "that many lobbyists have interpreted current law as not requiring a listing of fees paid to community organizers as lobbying expenditures." The ethics commission sent Mayol a "letter of guidance" clarifying that he needs to list payments like the one to Forbes, a board member of the Naranja Community Redevelopment Agency, on his expenditure reports.

Developers doling out cash to community exploiters masquerading as activists is nothing new. Remember the Related Group paid $100,000 to Barbara Carey-Shuler and Barbara Hardemon for "community outreach" when the developer was seeking approval for its Mercy Hospital condo project.

It' not illegal, but it is shady as hell.
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

From the Vault

 

©2013 Miami New Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Miami

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city