On January 28th we will be talking about an Ethics Policy for Lake Worth. The past Commission turned one down just last year when it was brought forward by Commissioner Jennings. Retha Lowe was one of the dissenters. I wonder why.Pay to Play is just a phrase used more and more frequently in government corruption when money or something of value, over or under the table, has been given to a candidate for some financial benefit to the contributor, i.e., a government contract.
Because a citizen gives money to a particular candidate who he feels best represents his views, does not mean every time that elected official votes on something for which he agrees, it is a pay to play situation. There was no personal monetary gain involved. Because someone contributed to and voted for Obama because they hope that he will lead and vote correctly for America, does not mean there is any pay to play.
This is the same thing with Charles Celi who gave campaign contributions in this last election to Cara Jennings, Suzanne Mulvehill and to Rene Varela. He knew that they were more aligned with his political beliefs. His argument against the owners of The Gulfstream Hotel is all about following the rules we have in place. He wants the City to look at both sides of the argument and weigh all of the facts, something the P&Z did not do. Instead, they manipulated the rules to suit their political agenda. He is not going to benefit monetarily from any political decision. He is standing up to principle, an American right. Standing up for one's beliefs is admirable and Mr. Celi took all the hard knocks last night from the Mayor who said his arguments were frivolous to the Gulfstream attorney who said there was not one shread of truth to them.
That’s how I see it. And I know who I believe.
