To the Editor:
“Follow the money” is a aphorism in American politics that comes out of the Nixon scandals of the 1960s. Following the money is not easy, however, in assessing the write-in candidacy of Bill Euille. The Virginia Department of Elections (VDE) has rated Euille’s completion rate for his Sept. 30, 2015 campaign finance statement at 10.39 percent.
Of the $131,660 Euille reported in contributions or in-kind gifts, only 23 entries were complete with the donor’s name, business, type of business, or location. More than 200 entries were incomplete. As a result of these omissions, for example, the occupations of contributors are “undetermined” for $10,470 in gifts. Following the money is made difficult and replicates the pattern of incomplete reporting that marked Euille’s primary run for mayor.
Out of Euille’s faulty report, however, it is possible to piece together some picture of what is going on. As listed by the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), the largest single occupation group supporting the Democratic primary loser for his independent run is “real estate/construction” at $46,335. Those are the developers. One developer who gave Euille $20,000 in the primary has followed up with $10,000 this time.
The second largest donor group were car dealers and gas station owners at $18,150. Add in contributions from developer lawyers, bankers and other interests and it is clear where the money trail is leading: To individuals who do frequent business with the City of Alexandria.
Allison Silberberg’s Sept. 30 financial report, by contrast, has been rated 100 percent complete by the VDE. She will not accept contributions from developers. By following the money to Ms. Silberberg one finds transparency and good government practice. The choice for mayor on Nov. 3 should be clear.
Jack Sullivan
Alexandria