Pay to Play - It happens all of the time

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Everyone knows that pay to play happens on a regular basis. When we think of pay to play, what immediately comes to mind is our political system: when money or gifts are exchanged directly for political favors, such as generous campaign donations. This has happened in Lake Worth. Often times, however, it involves paid government employees and not just elected officials.

In order to be ensured of contracts, companies not just bid on the RFP's but wine and dine and spend money on those directly involved in making decisions. If that "corrupt" company knows the bids and is in collusion with a "corrupt" employee, it is easy to direct the final outcome as awards are given usually to the low bidder. The secret is not to get caught.

In today's society, everyone wants to make money, not only the honest way but sometimes by any means possible.  It is a cut-throat society and a vast majority of us find it more and more difficult to stay afloat. When temptation is there, some get hooked and throw ethics aside.  Something as innocent as a Christmas gift from a vendor can snow ball to garner influence down the road. 

Chaz Equipment Company was indicted in the biggest local public corruption sweep in at least 10 years, prosecutors say. Chaz involved itself and supplied employees in nine local governments with hunting trips, NASCAR excursions, pricey jewelry and gift cards. It was proved that gifts paralleled  the contracts. It was suggested that Chaz made $73 million over the last decade by playing the game to get contract awards.

Gary Czajkowski, President of Chaz, was just acquitted in one charge of giving a "loan" of $25,000 to the construction manager of the Town of Palm Beach for street work. Sometimes it is difficult to prove "intent." Other corruption charges are pending.

In spite of the ethics training all employees must take here in Lake Worth (all employees are now in compliance and have taken the Palm County ethics training) with full knowledge of Lake Worth policy discouraging accepting gifts of over $25, temptation is a reality. According to the Palm Beach Ethics Czar, you can't give a gift of over $100 if you are a lobbyist or a vendor or prospective vendor of the city.

This practice of gift giving appeared to be standard operation procedure for Chaz. And if that is proven to be the case, who is to say that other cities or even all cities have not been affected by this practice by many companies, not just Chaz. Chaz has done business in our city as well.