Thought the recall election would change things at county hall? Think again.
If campaign money is any indication, former state Rep. Esteban Bovo is a shoo-in for the Miami-Dade Commission seat representing northwestern parts of the county vacated by Natacha Seijas. And he is beholden to a lot of special interests.
The Republican from Hialeah raised almost $70,000 through March 31 and has spent less than $1,000. His contributors' list reads like a who's who in Tallahassee. Power lobbyist Ron Book has given $1,500. Lobbyists Syl Lukis, Susan Goldstein, and Winn Peeples; Brian May; and others have each given the maximum $500.
Gambling and horse-racing companies have given $10,000 to Bovo. John Brunetti, owner of mostly shuttered Hialeah racetrack, is one of them. So are the Isle of Capri Casino and Gulfstream Park.
Moreover, there are lots of real estate companies and lawyers, most potentially looking for favors at county hall. Cigar and liquor
companies including Southern Wine & Spirits are down for the
maximum.
Finally, look at the campaign reports for Bovo's competitors Carlos Amaro, Alan Rigerman, and Tania Castellanos. As of March 31, none had raised a nickel.
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