Bocc
 

Misinformation seems to be common on this and other social media sites. It is the popular but wrong opinion that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is a developer controlled board. But the truth is 3 of the 5 Board members (Butterfield, Bilardello, and Bogue) were supported by POA. The POA is far from a developer supporting organization. So please stop saying the BOCC is a puppet for the developer. Facts matter.

Those definitely weren’t my words.

The candidacies of Wiley, Coon and Lazich we’re heavily funded by the Developer, his family, TV contractors/vendors and TV management....this is not in dispute. But if you look at all three campaign reports of the aforementioned....they look absolutely identical in contributions for the period 4/1 and 5/30. I know most don’t want to accept that....but it’s a document required to be submitted by FL law. So the casual observer could absolutely draw the conclusion that it’s a developer ‘influenced’ board. But definitely NOT ‘controlled’!

I responded recently to a Don Wiley post on another thread where he accused the POA of ‘whipping up hysteria’ followed by a ‘throw up’ emoji. I know, classy move. My response, in defense of POA, was of their advocacy and independence....as well as their autonomy (since 1975)!! I also stated that ‘some’ disparage POA because they can’t be controlled....by politicians. A good thing.

Again, I can only speak for myself, the BOCC may be controlled by a single party.....but it’s ‘independence’ (as you stated so eloquently)...is teetering right down the middle!

I voted for Wiley and do think he would have won even if he didnt accept money from the developer and his cronies. When someone throws that much money at you and you outspend your opponent by a huge amount it just does not look right.

How’s this Stu....I actually agree with your premise. It’s the part that most on this forum can’t grasp....the optics are terrible.

This was probably one of the most qualified candidate pools that I’ve seen in years for this office. It’s not unique but i’ll never understand it