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Local activist alleges developer-linked donations influenced stance on impact fees
Summary
A public-forum speaker said Commissioner Hoffberger received about $80,000 in recent campaign donations, including nearly $27,000 from real-estate and construction interests, and questioned whether opposition to impact fees is donor-driven. Commissioners did not take formal action at the meeting.
At the Nov. 18 Escambia County public forum, speaker Diego Konopka said he reviewed public campaign filings and found Commissioner Ashley Hoffberger had taken "approximately $80,000" in pre-filed 2026 donations and that "almost $27,000 are from real estate businesses and construction workers," asserting that raised legitimate questions about resistance to impact fees.
"Is it funded by developers?" Diego asked the board during his allotted remarks, saying constituents "are having a hard time believing you're being genuine in your concerns about impact fees." He said he planned to make the donor information public through his political organizations to inform citizens.
The chair cut the comment period short when Diego's time expired; no commissioner offered a detailed rebuttal or staff response during public forum. Commissioners later noted that public records are available and suggested questions about law enforcement and campaign practices are appropriate topics but generally deferred to formal channels.
Why it matters: The allegation links campaign finance to a high-salience local policy (impact fees) and could shape the political framing of any future ordinance or vote. Commissioners' perceptions of donor influence can affect policy choices and public trust.
What's next: Diego said he would publicize the donor data. The board did not open an investigation or request staff to review the filings during the meeting.
