A Ballard conflict of interest?

A controversial landfill project in Pasco has raised questions about whether lobbyist Brian Ballard, representing the landfill operator, could have extra juice because his brother, Bob Ballard, is a deputy secretary at DEP:

Questioned over the relationship, the agency told the Times that Bob Ballard, who oversees land and recreation, would recuse himself from having any role.

His post does not rule on solid waste or environmental permits, though he did attend a Nov. 20 meeting about the landfill because of questions over nearby state conservation land. Critics such as County Commissioner Ted Schrader and resident Carl Roth seized on the relationship as a potential conflict last week.

The agency declined to make the deputy secretary available, but press secretary Doug Tobin said Bob Ballard had no inkling of his brother's involvement until reading the Times last week. For their part, landfill opponents Martinez and Thomas said they have seen nothing to indicate Bob Ballard has played any role.

"Any notion that there's any improper involvement is not only unfounded — it's absurd," said attorney Chris Kise, a friend of Brian Ballard — and lobbyist for Bill Blanchard, the landfill critic.

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Comments

Brian Ballard with a conflict of interest ? No way that would be possible, si.

Last in Education; First in Corruption!

... go figure

Smells like repiggies at work...

"Any notion that there's any improper involvement is not only unfounded — it's absurd," said attorney Chris Kise, a friend of Brian Ballard — and lobbyist for Blanchard, the landfill critic.

Of course a friend would say THAT!

"Any notion that there's any improper involvement is not only unfounded — it's absurd," said attorney Chris Kise.

McCarty!

it runs in the family...

you betcha

This calls into question Secretary Mike Soles judgement.

Thought croynism and crookedness would have been stamped out by Sole. This is dissappointing. Perhaps 15 years as Castille's and Struhs protegee is simply too long and their ways have sunk in with him. It says alot for Soles mindset and who he is listening to to have put Ballard in this leadership role. Sad.

The entire Legislature is a conflict of interest.

This is pretty incriminating from the mouths of the consultants. Law enforcement should have a case here against the Ballards.

*****
But that's not the only explanation Iafrate has given for hiring Brian Ballard.

In response to a written question from the Times about Ballard in January 2008, Iafrate stated:

"As you know we are attempting to get a permit from FDEP for our composting and recycling facility. We were advised that he is very good at helping to navigate through the regulatory environment in Tallahassee."

Besides Ballard's ties to top lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist, Ballard's brother Bob is a deputy secretary at FDEP.

Kise is a wannabe

[theloneconsumer]

Of all times these things, family relations are coming out, Kise vouching for Ballard is like the cat calling the kettle BLACK! And are we getting a good picture of the GOP with Jeb gone, and a free for all with "lobbyists navigating the regulatory maze?!"
Crist cannot hide behind a smile and say he is NOT associated with these people. Reminds me of the Reverend Martin Luther King Sr's favorite quote
"There is nothing more dangerous than sincere ignorance or contientious stupidity."
Mary McCarty, Ballard's sister is facing 5-10 years for her ingratiating herself and her husband with millions in bond money votes and financial gain. This is not a good time for Christopher Kise to say anything positive about Ballard!

Even the opponents of the project say there's nothing to this.

Schrader and Roth are clueless.

[reality]

DEP will decide the issue on its merits.

zzzzzzzzzzzzz

DEP will decide the issue on the merits Brian tells his brother Bob to make sure Sole agrees with. Sad day for DEP leadership and very telling.

Florida! "Last in Education; First in Corruption!"

... go figure