Lake Worth FL - September 15, 2008 - Commissioner Cara Jennings has authored and introduced a new anti-pay-to-play ethics ordinance for approval by the Lake Worth City Commission. On Tuesday at 6:00PM, the Commission will vote on the only known ordinance of its kind in Florida that prohibits donations to political campaigns by individuals or corporate entities that have, or will have, projects coming before the Commission for approval. The Florida Attorney General has reviewed the ordinance without comment; the Lake Worth City Attorney confirms that it is not pre-empted by State statutes.

“Watchdog groups throughout Florida are monitoring this vote. Pubic corruption would be greatly lessened if governmental bodies were to enact more stringent ethical standards for both those seeking election and those already in office. The recent convictions of two PB County Commissioners and two WPB City Commissioners for criminal usage of their official positions, has prompted me to author and introduce this precedent setting anti-pay-to-play ethics ordinance ever to reach a City Commission for approval. In my opinion, it will keep the contributions from out-of-town developers and the multiple $500 contributions from their shadow corporations from having an improper, corrupting influence on the votes of those candidates whose Commission seats they have financed,” notes Commissioner Jennings.

Contact:
Cara Jennings
Lake Worth City Commissioner District 2
561-584-2644
campaign2008@carajennings.com