The Bonds That Bind

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Feb 16, 2006 - 04:20 PM

The Bonds That Bind

by Carmen Balber

This letter was sent to Arnold today calling on him to impose a moratorium on fundraising from any construction and development industry interests that might benefit from his proposed infrastructure bonds.

February 16, 2006

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Governor:

The Los Angeles Times reports today that you have set a $120 million fundraising goal for your 2006 re-election campaign. To be successful, you will have to raise an average of $465,000 a day -- about $20,000 an hour -- between now and Election Day. That's 120 million opportunities for the voters to question just what your donors are getting for their money, and a sure way to go about convincing the public that you're placing special interests above the public interest.

As you begin this record-breaking fundraising effort, you will also be stumping for $222 billion in infrastructure spending. Each of the proposed bond-financed projects promises millions in contracts to the construction and development industry. This is an industry that has already contributed $12 million to your campaigns.

An inherent conflict arises when donors give money in hopes of winning business with the state. State contractors should not be allowed to buy their way into the administration's favor. We call upon you to refuse donations from companies that stand to benefit from the proposed infrastructure bonds.

Sincerely,

Carmen Balber

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