Investigate campaign contributions
I commend the Herald-Tribune for its article April 28, “Developers have the inside track,” which confirms what many have suspected for many years regarding the significant influence developers have on city and county officials.
One area where the newspaper could make a further impact is to shed light on the campaign finances of Sarasota City Commission and Sarasota County Commission candidates. Commissioners make crucial decisions on rezoning issues, where development often clashes with the wishes of residents and the preservation of natural resources.
Voters need to know who contributes to the candidates in order to understand to whom the candidates may be beholden. For instance, is a candidate backed by grassroots residents or bankrolled by developers?
Candidates are legally bound to disclose their funding sources and detailed records are available. But knowing where to find them and understanding donors’ businesses and affiliations takes time and expertise.