FL. Senate pres. got $152kin taxpayer funds to write book with 1 copy

[RandySF]

COCOA, Fla. -- New Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos finished writing a book on politics for Brevard Community College four years ago, getting $152,000 in taxpayer money for the effort.

But those who want to read "Florida Legislative History and Processes" won't find it at any bookstore or library - the single available copy of the 175-page, double-spaced manuscript can only be read at the school.

College administrators swear that's about to change, but they also acknowledge the 2003 arrangement negotiated by then-president Thomas Gamble with Haridopolos - then teaching at Brevard - was highly unusual and expensive.

The book also doesn't come close to meeting the original contract's call for a publishable, textbook-quality look at the development of the Florida Legislature, state constitution, the governor's office and judiciary from pre-statehood until present. But college officials say the book, mostly Haridopolos' advice on running for office, is useful and will soon be distributed to students.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/28/2089496/senate-pres-got-152k-to-write.html

[rfranklin]

1. It's called a bribe...

nothing "highly unusual" about that.

[BeFree]

4. Right

Just a cost of doing business. Ya know, for all those people that hate America giving free stuff to politicians, maybe they should just leave? Go to China, I say, China where they hang their politicians for stealing the people's money.

I hope, for Florida's sake, that the tea party doesn't hear of this, because we know the baggers hate the New America, and the new way of taking care of business. They might actually cause the leet Hardiboy some problems?

[DCKit]

2. The real question: What felonious act did he commit that warranted a $152K payoff? nt

[retread]

3. He is remarkably free of any suspicion of having even a whiff of

ethics. His entire "career" is a felonious act.