Airport leader's campaign benefits from airport contractors
subscription only article.
Florida's appointment process has long been a tainted one. Governors from both parties appoint people to airport and road boards who know nothing about airports and roads — and everything about politics and fundraising.
Asher was appointed by Scott in July 2012 when he was president-elect of the Florida Realtors. The next week, the Realtors' PAC gave Scott's campaign committee $150,000.
Both Scott and Asher said the two things were unrelated — that the Realtors have long supported Scott. Said Asher: "We give him lots of money."
If we really wanted watchdogs on these boards, we'd appoint watchdogs — university professors, representatives of good-government groups and retired experts who have no ties to current bidders. Those folks, however, rarely stand a chance
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-dean-asher-airport-scott-maxwell-20150203-column.html