Following is the list of contributors to the "Citizens for a Better Sarasota", the political organization that sponsored the last minute attack ads aimed at Joe Barbetta. As we noted earlier, these ads painted Barbetta's record as pro-developer, which is opposite of his beliefs and record. All of the contributors are connected to the development industry.
A total of $87,800 in contributions was reported and one expenditure of $70,000 was recorded for "TV air time."
In the list, the name of the individual that either gave the money or heads the corporation that was listed as giving the money is given. In some cases, the individual works for the company (attorney) or is a director for the company. All the information came from the "CBS Campaign Treasurers Report" and public information. It is believed to be accurate.
The CBS organization apparently was "fronted" by two Sarasota teachers as a way of hiding the contributors until after the election. See the story in todays SHT.
This is a "case study" of how political action committes work to deliver a message - mostly negative attack ads - without being required to disclose who is paying for it. This case, being local, was fairly easy to track. When money is funneled through several PACs are more difficult to track.
The reported contribution from Donald McDonough originated from a PAC controlled by Mike Bennett and Ron Reagan, both strong supporters if the development interests. A check written to CBS was sent to McDonough's address but was not recorded as such in these records. Instead a contribution from McDonough was recorded.
Attack ads by special interest groups, that remain anonymous until after the elections, undermines our political process. It allows malicious distortions to be presented as "fact" and it discourages honest, open citizens from considering running for elected office.
The list:
Anthoney Abate, Attorney
Abel Band
$500
Brian Turner
Florida Premier Turf
$1,500
Charles Githler
Developer
$300
Charles H Wilson
Charles H Wilson Construction
$2,500
Charles Nebec
Vision Homes of SW Florida
$1,250
Christian Van Hise, Attorney
Abel Band
$50
David Bustard
JDCK Operations
$2,500
David Sessions
Willis A Smith Construction
$2,000
Donald E Murphy
D E Murphy Constructors
$5,000
Donald McDonough
Wm F McDonough Plumbing
$5,000
Donald Powers
Rusty Plumbing
$5,000
Dr Mark Kaufmann
Developer
$200
Fred M Starling
Fred M Starling, Inc
$2,500
Frederick M Derr
Frederick Derr and Co
$5,000
H R Foxworthy
Suncoast Bancorp (Director)
$5,000
Jay Turner
LBJ Ranch
$500
Jeffrey S Russell, Attorney
Abel Band
$1,000
John Cox
Half Acre Construction
$5,000
Jon F Swift
Jon F Swift, Inc
$1,000
Katherine Carr, Attorney
Abel Band
$1,000
Michael Moulton
Realtor
$1,000
Piero Rivolta
Lancaster Development
$2,500
Piero Rivolta
M&R Sarasota Development
$2,500
Piero Rivolta
Parkway Collectors Extra
$2,500
Piero Rivolta
Rivolta Yachts
$5,000
Richard Turner
RET Montana
$500
Robert Flanders
Quality Walls Enterprises
$5,000
Robert Soran
Marina Jack
$3,000
Ronald Shenkin
Hunters Creek of Sarasota
$1,000
Stanley Mueser
First America Bank (Director)
$5,000
Tom Dabney
Beneva Retail
$1,000
Tom Dabney
Gulf Coast Property Services
$1,000
Tom Dabney
University Retail
$1,000
Walter Mills
W G Mills
$5,000
William Dooley
Dooley Mack
$5,000
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