By Emerson Drake
8/17/11
It's always interesting to me to see just how easy developers purchase politicians. If they invest heavily usually it's because they believe the are easily manipulated. Of course the big players make sure they don't leave anyone out just in case the elections don't go the way the developer hopes.
In the Mayoral race, Brad Hawn was apparently considered the easy mark. Or it could be that Stephen Endsley blazed the trail with his $14,000 contribution. Councilman and Mayoral hopeful took $2,900 on May fifth of this year from Chopra Development Enterprises. Was this thanking him for past efforts on Chopra's part? Or is it a down payment on a get out of jail free card after the sizzle fizzled on their "Life Style" development up by the mall?
Just to ensure not offending anyone, Aruna Chopra tossed $1,000 Councilman and Mayoral hopeful Garrad Marsh's way. One third the amount wouldn't seem to purchase much of anything but maybe it avoids creating an enemy.
Just so they didn't leave anyone out of consideration, Chopra Development donated $2,000 to Councilman Dave Lopez who's running for re-election. And interesting bid for services to be rendered or perhaps a thank you for past performances with a promise of more to keep him in line.
Maybe it's a little like Texas Hold 'em, to the experienced, the "bids" tell the story.
While it's acknowledged that politicians need to raise money to get elected, consideration should be given to the source and the expectations raised by large campaign contributions.
Special favors for special people? In Modesto, often it's all about the money.
