In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the influence of campaign contributions from developers on local governance, particularly focusing on Commissioner Bolton's political action committee (PAC). A commissioner highlighted a troubling pattern where significant donations, such as a $10,000 contribution from Legacy to Bolton's PAC, appear to create a \"pay-to-play\" environment. This raises questions about the integrity of decision-making processes, especially when large sums are funneled into private PACs associated with Bolton.

The commissioner emphasized the need for stricter regulations to close existing loopholes that allow developers to contribute large amounts of money, potentially in exchange for favorable votes on projects. They argued that the current procurement code should be revised to prohibit lobbying entirely, suggesting that even small donations should be capped to prevent undue influence.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of these financial practices, warning that they set a negative precedent for other cities and could erode public trust. The commissioner expressed frustration over the misuse of funds for political attacks and misinformation campaigns, asserting that the focus should be on transparency and accountability in financial dealings.

As the meeting concluded, the call for reform was clear: without stronger regulations, the cycle of money influencing politics will continue, undermining the integrity of local governance and the trust of residents.