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Johnson's Public-Funded Self-Promotion
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Published: March 25, 2008
Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson said he hired a public relations firm to help teach people how to vote, but judging by early returns, the firm is more focused on promoting Johnson's re-election bid.
Consider the recent e-mails sent out by Jennifer Marks, whose firm is receiving $40,000 in taxpayer funds to "educate voters."
"Supervisor Johnson visits Plant City Schools."
"Supervisor Johnson visits Hillsborough High School."
"Supervisor Johnson to Attend BOCC Bilingual Town Hall Meeting."
Included with the e-mails are photographs of Johnson - who faces opposition from former Hillsborough Commissioner Phyllis Busansky - standing at the head of the class.
Johnson has developed a reputation for extravagance in spending the public's money, even as he seeks to cut his own tax bill by allowing some cows to graze on his property.
Nevertheless, politicians are not allowed to use government resources to support their political ambitions.
Johnson's "public education" campaign crosses the line of propriety and he should put an end to it.
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