I think most Freehold citizens know our City Charter allows the Mayor to take on projects that pay him fees in addition to the Mayor's salary. The projects must also be in the interests of the City. I do some of these. I make some money and Freehold benefits as well.
Before the 2012 Presidential Iowa Caucus word circulated that Michele Bachmann would pay someone in Iowa a lot of money to put her in touch with big donors and book her at churches. I met her guy at the airport and explained it is against the law in Iowa to pay members of the Iowa Legislature to do this kind of work. But, I explained, as a Mayor it was legal for me to do it and I'd be happy to help.
They decided to go another direction. Michele hired a legislator from Downtown at the State Capital. To avoid the law prohibiting this, she had the money laundered through a consultant. That way it would not appear to be her campaign that was paying him. As I say, telling you this is not sour grapes. I mean, I could have used the money but they made their decision.
Not only did Michele lose Iowa, but the laundered money was discovered and hearings have been going on for months. Again, this is not sour grapes but she could have won Iowa and not violated campaign ethics by hiring me.
I hope any residents of Freehold involved with Republican candidates will remind the powers that be Mayors are their best bet for expert services.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/...223397691.html