TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Politicians Pass To Front At Disney
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: April 11, 2008
LAKE BUENA VISTA - Politicians and other VIPs can receive special passes that let them cut in line at popular rides at Walt Disney World.
The unrestricted, all-day "FastPasses" are for elected officials or other "high-profile guests" who don't want to worry about logistical or security problems they might face while waiting in long lines. Park spokeswoman Kim Prunty said they are provided on a case-by-case basis determined by Disney's government-affairs office.
Disney maintains the passes have no monetary value and so are not restricted by government ethics laws and do not have to be reported either as gifts to public officials or as a lobbying expense. Prunty would not identify any of the people who have gotten the passes.
Some government ethics watchdogs expressed concern that the passes might provide Disney, which routinely lobbies state and federal government officials, with a way to offer a feel-good service just for politicians.
The Associated Press
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)
* Keep it clean
* Respect others
* Don't hate
* Don't use language you wouldn't use with your mom
* Use "Report Inappropriate Comments" link when necessary
* See Member Agreement for details
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
Reader Comments
Posted by ( JackNelsonSteward ) on April 11, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
In the place where, more than any other private concern, everyone should be equal, the people's employees get special treatment.
You've been standing there in that snaking line, shepherding your progeny toward "It's a Small World" and along comes your elected employee, the one who just spent thousands of your tax dollars debating how high kids should wear their pants, and WHHHHOOOOSSSH, right past you and you get to watch them disappear into the ride just as your offspring picks up that chewing gum the guy four places ahead of you stuck to the stanchion.
What does that tell you?
Report Inappropriate Comments