I certainly understand reporter Garth Sanders’ statements regarding Bernard Parks’ campaign (“Parks Too Busy Paying Off Old Debts to Campaign, Ridley-Thomas Charges,” Oct. 8).
It is always illuminating to know where one’s support comes from and even more enlightening to know what sort of message it sends.
I believe Bernard Parks’ campaign for County Supervisor on Nov. 4 mirrors his style and demeanor. He is a straight talking, down to earth politician.
He is getting his message out in a way that resonates with the constituents he hopes to represent.
I, for one, am pleased Bernard Parks’ campaign finances are under control. Paying off one’s campaign debts is what I believe responsible politicians should do.
However, campaign debts come in many different flavors, and I am less concerned with the money accrued by Bernard Parks than I am of the debt owed by his opponent to the “Independent Expenditure Committee” and other “shadow” groups.
If the Los Angeles Times can be believed, an article just recently stated that the “Independent Expenditure Committee” has amassed a total of $7.1 million to help Bernard Parks’ opponent win his seat. On top of this, add the $5.7 million already given to Bernard Parks’ opponent by the “Alliance for a Stronger Community,” for a total of $12.8 million.
Now to be fair about it, the law does specify that the group giving the money can have no “coordination” with the candidate it gives to.
This gives the receiving candidate a sort of Get Out of Jail Free card. Legally, the candidate has no obligation to any of us regarding the acceptance of the cash.
The receiving candidate is under no legal obligation to tell anyone what they want or even who they are. If one considers an obligation as a “weight of commitment,” then I submit $12.8 million is a crushing burden.
Who are these groups?
Whom do they represent? What do they want in return for their “uncoordinated” donation?
Based on what has occurred the last eight years in Washington, I hoped that we had seen the last of “big money” politics in local campaigns.
Silly me.
I make it known to anyone who asks that I am a Bernard Parks supporter.
I have worked closely with him for many years, and I believe he is by far the best candidate to be our next County Supervisor.
Mr. Corlin, a former Culver City mayor, may be contacted at ad747@lafn.org
