County Commissioners Deny Ron Book's Waiver

Maybe Ron Book is losing his touch. On Monday, Miami-Dade County commissioners denied Book's request to lobby on behalf of a private client pushing a state bill the county is against. The ultra influential lobbyist represents Miami-Dade before the Florida Legislature. But he also works for the Florida Apartment Association,...

By Francisco Alvarado

April 7, 2011

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Maybe Ron Book is losing his touch. On Monday, Miami-Dade County commissioners denied Book's request to lobby on behalf of a private client pushing a state bill the county is against. The ultra influential lobbyist represents Miami-Dade before the Florida Legislature. But he also works for the Florida Apartment Association, a group of landlords who want to take away eviction powers from the Miami-Dade Police Department and assign it to private agents. Thus creating a conflict of interest for him.

"It is not being granted," Commission Chairman Joe Martinez said. "He cannot lobby on their behalf."

The decision caught Banana Republican by surprise. Last year, county commissioners granted Book a waiver on an unrelated matter without discussion. Regardless, it was a good move on the commission's part. Book is getting paid the big bucks to represent the taxpayers' interests not fight against them.

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Francisco Alvarado was born in Nicaragua and grew up in Miami, giving him unique insight into the Magic City and all its dark corners. An investigative reporter with a knack for uncovering corruption, Alvarado made his bones as a staff writer at Miami New Times and remains in dogged pursuit of the next juicy story.

Contact: Francisco Alvarado

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Twitter: @thefrankness