Sunday
Jun292008
« Does Mike Beaudreau have some explaining to do? »
Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 2:30AM
During the June 16 candidates forum, District 3 Commission challenger Doug Stacks leveled an unexpected charge against incumbent Mike Beaudreau. Stacks claimed that, despite Beaudreau's assertion to the contrary, the commissioner had accepted campaign donations from developers. Stacks, flipping through several printed pages, cited Beaudreau campaign financial disclosures as the source of his information. While I have been very critical of Mike Beaudreau's record on the Commission, I did not want to simply create a Buzz post parroting Stacks' claim. Over the last two weeks, I have looked at Beaudreau's Campaign Contribution Report of 31 March 2008, and my personal conclusion is that Mike may have some explaining to do.
I want to clearly state before going further that I do not think that Mike Beaudreau has engaged in any inappropriate or unethical behavior. During the forum, Beaudreau responded to Stacks' comments by standing by his promise to not accept contributions from developers "110 percent" and suggesting that we consider his record. Here Mike is absolutely correct - his record certainly shows no bias toward developers as he has been hostile on more than one occasion to businesses coming before the board. I have personally seen Mike rule against multiple cell phone towers, deny applications with the flimsy rational of avoiding "spot zonings," and argue with a residential developer about whether homes in a proposed community should be allowed to have front-entry garages. This much is clear - if Mike wants to run on being unfriendly to developers (and, in my opinion, private property rights), he has a strong record to on which to run.
Similarly, I do not think that a business making a campaign contribution is in any way inappropriate. Despite the impression sometimes encountered in Gwinnett these days, being involved in real estate development is a perfectly legitimate business. Government decisions and laws impact not only the homeowners that the likes of Beaudreau and Lorraine Green favor, but also businesses and their owners, managers and employees as well. These businesses have every right to participate in government by making legal campaign contributions. As such, the fact that any entity has made a legal contribution does not imply any unethical behavior.
Had Mike not raised the issue about not accepting developer donations, Doug Stacks' charge and my investigation would have immaterial and unneeded. The only reason to examine Beaudreau's donor list is to consider whether Mike does as he says. My investigation is solely whether a politician is being forthright with the voters. For reference, here is Mike's specific claim from his campaign website.
Mike has made a very clear statement and, as an elected official, he should be subject to scrutiny as to how well he keeps his promises.
Below, I have simply listed some of the donors on the contribution report along with information and links that I obtained from a simple Google search on information contained within the report. You have seen MIke's claim and you can access the same information I uncovered and do any further investigation on your own. You should make up your mind as to whether Mike is saying one thing and doing another. The question I would suggest you keep in mind as you review this is. Mike wants to "avoid conflicts of interest" with those "who stand to gain financially by the decisions he makes as commissioner." Laudable and I would state that his record shows no such conflict. However, I have to ask, what about other entities that stand to gain from his decisions as commissioner? Is it acceptable to take contributions from them? Does he have a double standard between developers and other groups that may have a financial stake in the outcome of board votes?
Donor: Anderson, Tate & Carr, PC
The Lawrenceville law firm is listed on a state "Developments of Regional Impact" filing as representing Satellite Realty Holdings, LLC, developer of a project called the Satellite Business Center in Gwinnett. Also, the firm was listed on another DRI filing for Y Group Enterprises, Inc., developer of a "Mixed Use: 3 12-story condo/office towers; retail; 12-story hotel" at Steve Reynolds and I-85. Additionally, the firm is the employer of Michael Sullivan, the attorney that has represented T-Mobile in several recent Gwinnett cell tower applications, including the Lenora airport tower.
Donor: W.H. Britt
A W. H. Britt, at the time employed by W. H. Britt & Assoc., Inc. in Grayson, was listed among the Board of Directors of GBC Bancorp in a 1996 SEC filing. W.H. Britt & Associates is listed as a commercial and residential developer on this page.
Donor: Jonathan M. Evans
Jonathan Evans is a civil engineer with Evans & Miller. A Jon M. Evans is listed on the company profile as a founder of the company. The company does work on site planning, site engineering, environmental engineering, transportation and construction engineering. Previous projects include office and retail space in Braselton and office space in Snellville.
Donor: Hayes, James & Associates
The firm has been involved in several projects in Gwinnett including the new Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, the Georgia Baptist Convention headquarters off Sugarloaf Parkway, and transportation engineering on Hamilton Mill Parkway.
Donor: Donald E. Hill
Donald E. Hill is listed as a consulting engineer for United Consulting in this financial filing by the Saxby Chambliss for Senate campaign. The firm's website lists Mr. Hill as Chairman of the Board and Chief Engineer. The firms services include geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, geophysical exploration services, water resources, construction materials testing, and property inspection services. The firm lists among its clients, Beazer Homes, KB Homes, Jordan, Jones & Goulding, John Wieland Homes, and a variety of retail companies, all of which have had or currently have projects in Gwinnett County.
Donor: Jordan, Jones, & Goulding
The firm provides a variety of engineering, management and planning services. The firm's projects include Gwinnett's F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center.
Donor: Mahaffey Pickens Tucker, LLP
Attorney R. Lee Tucker is nearly as much of a fixture at the Board of Commissioners monthly public hearings as the commissioners themselves! The firm has represented numerous development projects that have come before the Board. Check any public hearing agenda, and odds are you will find a project represented by Mr. Tucker.
Donor: MHC Development, Inc.
With a company name like that, do I really need to even dig deeper? I could not find a website, so if someone responds and tells me they develop software or something else besides real estate, I will stand corrected.
Donor: E.R. Snell Contractors
E.R. Snell is a contracting firm based in Snellville. Among other projects, the company has worked on Discover Mills and was recently awarded a project to expand Pleasant Hill Rd., a project approved by the Board of Commissioners.
So, there is Mike's promise along with information on several donors reported by MIke's very own campaign. While technically, only one firm appears to be an active developer (MHC Development; W.H. Britt is listed as being retired), many of these companies work with developers as their attorneys or engineers. These donors stand to gain financially when the Board of Commissioners makes decisions that greenlight a development.
Does Mike's assertion of standing by his promise "110 percent" ring true given that he has not technically accepted donations from developers (MHC Development, notwithstanding)? Or, is Mike splitting hairs or practicing political doublespeak ? Does it even matter to you as a voter given his voting record?
As I have stated, I have been very critical of MIke Beaudreau's candidacy and voting record. However, I am fair and, as such, I would encourage Beaudreau to give the voters his side of the story. I would encorage him to communicate to the Buzz readers why his "110 percent" commitment is not doublespeak. He can leave a comment or he can email me a response that I would be happy to post in its entirety.
The question remains whether Mike Beaudreau has some explaining to do.
I want to clearly state before going further that I do not think that Mike Beaudreau has engaged in any inappropriate or unethical behavior. During the forum, Beaudreau responded to Stacks' comments by standing by his promise to not accept contributions from developers "110 percent" and suggesting that we consider his record. Here Mike is absolutely correct - his record certainly shows no bias toward developers as he has been hostile on more than one occasion to businesses coming before the board. I have personally seen Mike rule against multiple cell phone towers, deny applications with the flimsy rational of avoiding "spot zonings," and argue with a residential developer about whether homes in a proposed community should be allowed to have front-entry garages. This much is clear - if Mike wants to run on being unfriendly to developers (and, in my opinion, private property rights), he has a strong record to on which to run.
Similarly, I do not think that a business making a campaign contribution is in any way inappropriate. Despite the impression sometimes encountered in Gwinnett these days, being involved in real estate development is a perfectly legitimate business. Government decisions and laws impact not only the homeowners that the likes of Beaudreau and Lorraine Green favor, but also businesses and their owners, managers and employees as well. These businesses have every right to participate in government by making legal campaign contributions. As such, the fact that any entity has made a legal contribution does not imply any unethical behavior.
Had Mike not raised the issue about not accepting developer donations, Doug Stacks' charge and my investigation would have immaterial and unneeded. The only reason to examine Beaudreau's donor list is to consider whether Mike does as he says. My investigation is solely whether a politician is being forthright with the voters. For reference, here is Mike's specific claim from his campaign website.
In order to avoid conflicts of interest between the citizens he represents and those who stand to gain financially by the decisions he makes as commissioner, Mike has refused to take campaign contributions from developers, and will continue to do so in the future.
Mike has made a very clear statement and, as an elected official, he should be subject to scrutiny as to how well he keeps his promises.
Below, I have simply listed some of the donors on the contribution report along with information and links that I obtained from a simple Google search on information contained within the report. You have seen MIke's claim and you can access the same information I uncovered and do any further investigation on your own. You should make up your mind as to whether Mike is saying one thing and doing another. The question I would suggest you keep in mind as you review this is. Mike wants to "avoid conflicts of interest" with those "who stand to gain financially by the decisions he makes as commissioner." Laudable and I would state that his record shows no such conflict. However, I have to ask, what about other entities that stand to gain from his decisions as commissioner? Is it acceptable to take contributions from them? Does he have a double standard between developers and other groups that may have a financial stake in the outcome of board votes?
Donor: Anderson, Tate & Carr, PC
The Lawrenceville law firm is listed on a state "Developments of Regional Impact" filing as representing Satellite Realty Holdings, LLC, developer of a project called the Satellite Business Center in Gwinnett. Also, the firm was listed on another DRI filing for Y Group Enterprises, Inc., developer of a "Mixed Use: 3 12-story condo/office towers; retail; 12-story hotel" at Steve Reynolds and I-85. Additionally, the firm is the employer of Michael Sullivan, the attorney that has represented T-Mobile in several recent Gwinnett cell tower applications, including the Lenora airport tower.
Donor: W.H. Britt
A W. H. Britt, at the time employed by W. H. Britt & Assoc., Inc. in Grayson, was listed among the Board of Directors of GBC Bancorp in a 1996 SEC filing. W.H. Britt & Associates is listed as a commercial and residential developer on this page.
Donor: Jonathan M. Evans
Jonathan Evans is a civil engineer with Evans & Miller. A Jon M. Evans is listed on the company profile as a founder of the company. The company does work on site planning, site engineering, environmental engineering, transportation and construction engineering. Previous projects include office and retail space in Braselton and office space in Snellville.
Donor: Hayes, James & Associates
The firm has been involved in several projects in Gwinnett including the new Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, the Georgia Baptist Convention headquarters off Sugarloaf Parkway, and transportation engineering on Hamilton Mill Parkway.
Donor: Donald E. Hill
Donald E. Hill is listed as a consulting engineer for United Consulting in this financial filing by the Saxby Chambliss for Senate campaign. The firm's website lists Mr. Hill as Chairman of the Board and Chief Engineer. The firms services include geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, geophysical exploration services, water resources, construction materials testing, and property inspection services. The firm lists among its clients, Beazer Homes, KB Homes, Jordan, Jones & Goulding, John Wieland Homes, and a variety of retail companies, all of which have had or currently have projects in Gwinnett County.
Donor: Jordan, Jones, & Goulding
The firm provides a variety of engineering, management and planning services. The firm's projects include Gwinnett's F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center.
Donor: Mahaffey Pickens Tucker, LLP
Attorney R. Lee Tucker is nearly as much of a fixture at the Board of Commissioners monthly public hearings as the commissioners themselves! The firm has represented numerous development projects that have come before the Board. Check any public hearing agenda, and odds are you will find a project represented by Mr. Tucker.
Donor: MHC Development, Inc.
With a company name like that, do I really need to even dig deeper? I could not find a website, so if someone responds and tells me they develop software or something else besides real estate, I will stand corrected.
Donor: E.R. Snell Contractors
E.R. Snell is a contracting firm based in Snellville. Among other projects, the company has worked on Discover Mills and was recently awarded a project to expand Pleasant Hill Rd., a project approved by the Board of Commissioners.
So, there is Mike's promise along with information on several donors reported by MIke's very own campaign. While technically, only one firm appears to be an active developer (MHC Development; W.H. Britt is listed as being retired), many of these companies work with developers as their attorneys or engineers. These donors stand to gain financially when the Board of Commissioners makes decisions that greenlight a development.
Does Mike's assertion of standing by his promise "110 percent" ring true given that he has not technically accepted donations from developers (MHC Development, notwithstanding)? Or, is Mike splitting hairs or practicing political doublespeak ? Does it even matter to you as a voter given his voting record?
As I have stated, I have been very critical of MIke Beaudreau's candidacy and voting record. However, I am fair and, as such, I would encourage Beaudreau to give the voters his side of the story. I would encorage him to communicate to the Buzz readers why his "110 percent" commitment is not doublespeak. He can leave a comment or he can email me a response that I would be happy to post in its entirety.
The question remains whether Mike Beaudreau has some explaining to do.
Categories: Gwinnett County Commission, Gwinnett Elections, Mike Beaudreau, Real Estate Development Tags: Braselton, Discover Mills, Doug Stacks, Duluth, Gwinnett County Commission, Gwinnett Medical Center, Hamilton Mill, Mike Beaudreau, Real Estate Development, Snellville, T-Mobile, cell tower, developer, election, homeowners, politics, property rights
Gwinnett County Commission, Gwinnett Elections, Mike Beaudreau, Real Estate Development Tags: Braselton, Discover Mills, Doug Stacks, Duluth, Gwinnett County Commission, Gwinnett Medical Center, Hamilton Mill, Mike Beaudreau, Real Estate Development, Snellville, T-Mobile, cell tower, developer, election, homeowners, politics, property rights
Reader Comments (4)
When Mike received the donation from MHC Development, Inc. he contacted them and was told this money was from a brokerage and not from a developer. Mike took them at their word.
The other donations listed are from people who work for lots of different kinds of people. If Stacks wants to say this violates Mike's pledge then Mr. Stacks himself is less then truthful when he says he's not a developer as Stacks has represented developers before Beaudreau and the County Commission. He can't have it both ways.
However, let's get to the real issue of Doug Stack's accusation (at the Forum as well as in a campaign mail piece) that somehow Mike Beaudreau is in the pocket of developers and fooling the public. This is laughable on it's face as even the Gwinnett Buzz notes. A number of developers don't like Mike and don't consider him to be "developer friendly." Some were actively seeking a candidate to run against Mike and when the financial disclosures come out next week some of those names will have given lots of money to Doug Stacks.
Why do these developers not like Mike Beaudreau? Because Mike wants to follow the County's Land Use Plan and some developers simply don't like that. Mike wants projects decided on their merits and not on who knows whom and which good 'ole boys are involved.
Stacks wants to divert attention away from the obvious conflict of interest his campaign represents. He's is the Planning Director for the City of Lilburn and has an active real estate business. Should Stacks win, he will wake up every day with the choice of working on behalf of the City of Lilburn, his real estate business, or the residents of District 3. There will be many occasions where two or more of those things will be in conflict and residents will be left wondering which he will choose.
Mike Beaudreau listens to both sides of all zoning issues, seeks input from all interested parties and decides the case on it's merits and how it complies with the Land Use Plan. That's the way it should be done and one of the many reasons why Mike Beaudreau deserves reelection.
Buzz Brockway
Campaign Manager
Committee to Elect Mike Beaudreau
Mike Beaudreau had to contact MHC Development, Inc. to inquire if they were a development company?...Duh. And then he, “took them at their word” that they were a brokerage company?...Bull.
In Beaudreau’s June Newsletter he states that a “developer candidate” is running against him. Doug Stacks was forced out of the gate clarifying that he is not a developer. However, if Mr. Beaudreau felt that Mr. Stacks was a developer based on his representation of developers for rezonings, then Mr. Beaudreau must have an open ended definition of developer. This indicates a long list of contributions from “developers” on his disclosure list. I don’t see Mr. Stacks wanting it “both ways”. Mr. Beaudreau is the one who set the parameters on this issue.
Buzz,
Thank you for taking the time to give us Mike’s side of the story. My goal for this site is to allow voices from all sides of an issue to be heard, even when I do not agree with the opposing view.
I do want to comment on a few points in your response:
I am not speaking for Doug Stacks. Doug is welcome to post his views here on the Buzz as well. The point that I am making is that Mike is walking a fine line when he implies he does not want to take money from those who might benefit from his decisions and then limits that exclusion to those with “developer” in their title.
If that is the case, that’s fine. I don’t have a problem with developers participating in the process with legal donations. I don’t have a problem with Mike Beaudreau taking donations from MHC Development, retired developers or civil engineers. They are all members of the Gwinnett community whether as residents or businesses. Had Mike not made such a red-letter claim, you would not find me saying one word about any of his donations. I have never felt that a person of integrity is automatically beholden to someone just because they accept a campaign contribution.
While I disagree with Mike’s record on land use and, in turn, private property rights, other than this one pledge, I have no reason to question the man’s integrity. In all likelihood, the apparent discrepancy of Mike’s donor list and his pledge is simply a manifestation of the well-worn political tactic of tap-dancing around a promise so that you do not violate the letter of that promise even if you violate the spirit. I do not understand why he would make the distinction that he apparently makes. However, when any public official engages in non-trivial contradictory behavior, asking questions is appropriate.
One other comment. Google: “MHC Development” Gwinnett. One of the search results is an agenda for the June 26, 2007 Board of Commissioners public hearing (page 12). During that hearing MHC Development had two items in District 4 before the board, each asking for a rezoning for a “Single-Family Conservation Subdivision.” I think cinda has a point in her incredulity - he simply took MHC at its word that they were a brokerage? Did Mike not take however many few minutes it would take to check to see if MHC Development had previously had any projects in Gwinnett or issues before the board? I don’t know what kind of database Gwinnett County has, but I would have to think a commissioner should be able to easily access records of previous agenda items. I just found it with a Google search!