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Stafford County supervisor Paul Milde racks up big bucks Date published: 9/8/2009
BY JONAS BEALS When Paul Milde ran for the Aquia District seat on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors four years ago, his campaign was funded mostly by one local businessman--himself. An $87,920 loan to his own campaign provided the bulk of the backing Milde needed to unseat incumbent Kandy Hilliard. But this time around, Milde is having no trouble finding others to fund his run to re-election. The most recent campaign finance reports, filed July 15, show Milde has raised more than $50,000. That's almost $20,000 more than the combined total for the other 10 candidates running for supervisor in Stafford this fall. Milde's opponents are trying to turn his fundraising prowess against him, questioning whether donors are seeking to influence his votes. Some other supervisors, while not directly identifying Milde as the source of their concern, are pushing for a bylaw discouraging board candidates from seeking contributions from developers and others who might seek to influence land-use decisions. Milde says the cash influx is a reflection of the service he has provided, especially in fighting a Business and Professional Occupancy License fee a majority of his fellow board members imposed last year. He and other Republicans on the board say the bylaw suggested first by Democrat George Schwartz and later by independent Joe Brito is nothing more than a political stunt. During last month's Board of Supervisors meeting, Schwartz proposed banning supervisors from taking money from persons, groups or businesses seeking a rezoning, proffer amendment or other land-use ruling until at least six months after the matter is resolved. Schwartz copied the language of his proposal from Loudoun County, which instituted the measure amid a federal corruption investigation that started in 2007. "Every locality should be concerned about it," Schwartz said. "Wherever there are elected officials, citizens should always be concerned about this." After a discussion, Schwartz's proposal was reduced to one sentence by Supervisor Cord Sterling: "No candidate or member of the Board of Supervisors shall take an official action in return for a campaign contribution." It passed 5-2, with Supervisors Brito and Bob Woodson dissenting. Some supervisors found it to be toothless, pointless or even silly. County Attorney Joe Howard advised that board bylaws cannot apply to candidates who are not on the board.
Read more stories about Stafford Date published: 9/8/2009
Let's not micro-manage America or the local elections.
If these guys (or gals) get caught being "bought off" for a few thousand dollars, get rid of them, but to trample on our Constitution by silencing our voices through campaign contributions is nuts.
I guess the ones filing these motions can't or aren't competing well, so their trying to legislate the elections.
The wording of the proposal and the compromise seem reasonable, but are they necessary? Last time I checked taking bribes as a politician was not legal. Why does the board need to waste time with business/proposals that are redundant. Surely there are better things for them to be addressing.
now he can't vote to repeal BPOL. Correct?
Mr. Milde's campaign was funded by one developer who was looking for approval of a development near the landfill. His house went into foreclosure during the campaign. Funny how he was still able to loan his campaign all that money.
The proposal seems clear enough .. appears to enable the elimination of even a percieved bias .. I'd like to hear why anyone would have a problem with this language
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