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Hernando Today

Campaign Contribution Puts Candidate In Compromising Position

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 27, 2008

I'm very perturbed for several reasons by the article in Friday's Hernando Today (June 25) regarding Jeff Stabins' acceptance of a $250 contribution from Lauralee Westine, attorney for the cell phone industry.

First of all, no matter how "legal" it is, neither he nor anyone else in a similar position, should accept contributions from individuals or businesses that stand to profit from a decision he makes. He excuses it by saying: "There's nothing illegal about it. It happens at every level of government." I guess he needs a lesson in morals and ethics vs. following the "letter of the law." It reminds me of the excuses children make: "Well, everyone's doing it."

He makes another statement: "Campaigns are expensive propositions." This is one of the big problems with our political system. In order to get elected to any position, from dog catcher to president, you have to have money. Money has a tendency to corrupt. Even candidates who start out moral and ethical with good intentions get sucked in because in order to do anything to (hopefully) better our way of life, you have to first get elected.

We need to reform our election system regarding this matter. Why can't there be a cap on how much money can be spent on campaigns? And it shouldn't be in the millions of dollars. It would vary based on the level of office. This would include contributions as well as money coming out of the candidates' pockets. This would do two things. It would level the playing field by allowing people who don't have a lot of money or can't raise it to run for office. Secondly, it would make it very difficult for candidates to be "bought."

I'm not implying that Stabins is corrupt, but it sure looks a little fishy. Let's see now: He says in September 2007 he voted against the companies Ms. Westine represents. However, when it came to a vote in November 2007, only Chris Kingsley voted against it. Uhmm.

He needs to return the money immediately. That way, perhaps, and I emphasize "perhaps," he can rid himself of what looks to me like a very compromising position.

Sarah Nachin

Spring Hill

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