Georgia Association of Realtors will pay for failing to disclose more than $585,000 in campaign contributions and other expenditures in 2006.Among the contributions not disclosed was more than $200,000 to an “independent committee” that ran media advertising in support of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, according to campaign reports. Cagle’s campaign has denied any direct connection with the group, known as Realtors for Cagle.
The ethics commission has gotten more aggressive over the past few years in part because Gov. Sonny Perdue and state lawmakers increased funding for the panel. In fiscal 2005, the commission received about $700,000 in funding. Next fiscal year, which begins July 1, the panel’s budget will be $1.78 million.
The money has helped the commission increase its staff. That increased staffing and the move to electronic filing have made it easier to audit reports filed by politicians, appointed officials and political action committees. In the past, the commission usually only investigated cases if a member of the public filed a complaint.
Years ago I held a Georgia Real Estate License, and while taking the courses one of the teachers indicated that 99% of all the issues we faced as a state, rampant poorly planned growth, traffic congestion, water shortages and pollution was a direct result of the influence of developers and real estate “interests” under the Gold Dome. At that time 80% of all elected officials had direct ties to or were in the real estate business. Am I surprised that now this is all catching up with them, ah no, not a bit.
Comments on this Entry:
(odinseye2k on
May 27, 2008 10:28 AM)
An $80,000 fine? For malfeasance that has probably netted them millions?
That sounds like a simple “cost of business” writedown to me.
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