Ethics question: CRAs

[In-Fill Willy]

I witnessed a situation in my little burg recently that I can't get any fire started about. I think it's something that people should be lighting torches about and storming City Hall. But, no one seems interested.

We just went through (less than two months ago) an attempt by our City Commission to take over the function of our Community Redevelopment Agency. The charge was led by Commissioner "G" on the grounds of fiscal accountability and better communication needed between the Commission and the CRA - time to take over the whole thing. There was a particular project involved that political opportunists around here were making hay of and that was part of the problem.

Back story on Commissioner "G": She is a project manager for the local (within her City jurisdiction) Community Development Corporation.

The Commission ended up not taking over the functions of the CRA. But, just last week a request for $300,000 for a "grant or refundable loan" came up from the CDC that the Commissioner is project manager for to the same CRA that she tried to wrestle control.

All I am getting is a yawn. This is in Florida and I think the State Statute is clear that she has a major conflict of interest here that could be actionable.

The last piece of the puzzle is that I lost to her last year in a very close run-off election.

Advice?

[Richmond Jake]

The details of this situation should be transmitted to the local media outlets and let them investigate. You might want to have a third-person get the information to them to avoid the appearance of a "sour-grapes" candidate.

[Dan Staley]

My advice is compose a well-done press advisory if you are convinced this is an issue, and keep it neutral.

[Richi]

I agree with RJ that this should be pushed by a third party to avoid the Sour Graps effect. Howevey you could feed the person the relevant info. If you get to the right media person/outlet, they can dig into it and maybe change some things.

[In-Fill Willy]

Thanks, all good advice. I have the situation thoroughly detailed on my blog, but I will identify someone else to deliver the goods, so to speak.

[vdubluv]

You could file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics and have them investigate.

[iCanPlan]

I used to live in WPB, worked for the CRA there, and remembered reading all the stories about LW and RB CRA's...don't miss it one bit..but I'm sure if you tip off the PB Post, they'll be more than happy to investigate and report..lol