Campaign Contributions Questions: One Man's Opinion

By Ben Meisner

   
It is interesting from the outsider’s point of view to watch the matter of Councilor Brian Skakun turning the matter of what he thought was a campaign donation to support the down town Bingo Hall over to police. 

While the matter is still in the hands of the police, at this point, it would appear to be a case of "I said- they said".

Let’s understand one thing very clear, people and business don’t always support a particular candidate with the intention they only want to see a person get elected because they will do a good job. It may not be on the surface, but believe me, in many cases a "good job" means just that, a "good Job"  for the person (or persons) making that contribution.

In large measure, companies and individuals don’t make campaign donations unless something awaits them at the end of the tunnel and is it not reasonable to expect that?  So to somehow put some sort of special emphasis on the Skakun issue leaves one looking for a better understanding.

There were plenty of campaign contributions made by businesses who regularly attend City Council meetings to obtain support on an issue, that is a fact.

There were plenty of campaign donations made in which the donors were hoping their candidate who supported the Union position would be elected.

Should all contributions be accepted?  We have heard that at least some of those candidates said they would not accept money because they felt it might result in a conflict.

Perhaps those who were up for election didn't feel they had any obligation to the  donor, although the donor may have thought otherwise.

One thing is certain.  If you want to get elected it costs money and unless you are prepared to use your own dollars,  there is always a risk of a perceived conflict.

I'm Meisner, and that is one man's opinion.

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