Mayor James receives $45,000 In Contributions
Posted by Sandy on July 15, 2023 · Leave a Comment
The story below was written by Investigator Reporter Terri Parker, WPBF (25) and something about the word “contributions” rang a bell, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then I remembered. I will remind readers of another story on James contributions below.
Below are excerpts from Ms. Parker’s story, and the link can be found below. My comments in italic.
“$45,000 in contributions made to mayor’s campaign manager’s PAC ahead of West Palm Beach Marina vote”
“Commissioners say they were not aware of donations made by endorsers of winning firm”
I believe that statement. Commissioners are kept in the dark like WPB residents are. Commissioners need to investigate what they are voting on and not continue to assume what they are told by Mayor James, City Administrator, Faye Johnson, and staff is the truth. Commissioner’s owe us that much. A City Commissioner should not be considered a part time job.
“On Feb. 7, state campaign finance records show several marine companies donated thousands in cash to a West Palm Beach political action committee called Floridians for Economic Leadership, totaling $45,000.”
International Yacht Brokers Association gave $20,000
HMY Yacht Sales – $10,000
Marine Max – $5,000
Viking Sport Cruisers – $5,000
Viking Yachts President Patrick Healey $5,000
“The PAC is run by political consultant Rick Asnani of Cornerstone Solutions to help candidates get elected, among other political campaigns.”
“Asnani is Mayor Keith James’ campaign manager.
And he also represents the campaigns of all five commissioners.”
Four months later, on June 5, those commissioners and the mayor listened to two presentations from companies bidding to operate a “proposed marina on the downtown waterfront.”
“Informa is the company that said it steered those contributions to
the PAC in February “to show our support for the mayor and city of West Palm Beach.”
Attorney Malcolm Cunningham represents Safe Harbor — the company that lost.
“The appearance is the contributions are designed to curry favor with the mayor and the city commissioners in advance of what was coming,” Cunningham said.
Informa boat show CEO Andrew Doole, who endorsed City Harbor at the June 5 meeting where no public comment was supposed to be allowed, says the donations had nothing to do with the marina project, providing this statement:
“Informa, the company that has run the Palm Beach International Boat Show for decades, together with many of our longtime partners, raised these funds to show our support for the Mayor and city of West Palm Beach.”
Our contributions were given to a legal political committee and reported properly. These donations are not from, nor affiliated, with anyone bidding on the recent city marina project.”
WPBF 25 News Investigative Reporter Terri Parker asked all five commissioners and the mayor if the donations made by Informa’s partners had any influence on their vote to choose City Harbor — the company Informa endorsed.
“Four said they didn’t know about the donations until asked.”
“James’ director of communications, Diane Papadakos confirms she received WPBF’s email, but has not replied as to whether the mayor has any comment.” Of course James won’t comment. What could he possibly say?
Rick Asnani is on vacation out of the country, but provided a statement: Please take the time to read Ms. Parker’s story below as it contains more information.
https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-marina-bid-mayor-campaign-manager-pac-contributions/44476403
Three more “donations” Do you believe in coincidences?
12/6/2022 #25, #26 and #27, 3 towing companies each gave $1,000.00 donation to Mayor Keith James campaign for re-election, all on the same day. Read Campaign Treasurer Report below.
https://www.wpb.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5659/638090243530770000
12/12/2022 City Commission Meeting held 6 days after receiving donations from 3 towing companies.
“The City previously provided for the towing or storage of disabled vehicles or vessels by entering into franchise agreements with towing companies selected through the City’s procurement process” Below is the City Agenda for the City Commission meeting and I draw your attention to item # 8.1
https://08c756.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CC-meeting-12-12-2022.pdf
WPB Watch story on 3 contributions below
https://wpbwatch.com/2023/02/dialing-for-dollars/
Terri Parker had another exclusive story on the marina published on July 11, 2023 and I included it below. I am grateful for reporters who dig out the truth to let us know what is happening in our city. Unfortunately we can’t depend on local officials to keep us informed.
“Outrage grows over West Palm Beach vote to plan commercial marina without public input”
The end.