AAF Opponents go after texts

[spuwho]

Taking a new tactic, the anti-AAF attorney in Washington DC had the texts of the Chairman of the Florida Development Finance Corporation. subject to a FIA. The Chairman responded to the request and they found that "gasp!" the Chairman had texted with a consultant of AAF trying to get more information available for the upcoming hearing.

But the attorney's press release had just enough FUD included to make you think there was Sunshine violations.

Per the Palm Beach Post:

http://realtime.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/07/28/all-aboard-florida-opponent-takes-aim-at-text-messages-about-bond-meeting/

All Aboard Florida opponent takes aim at text messages about bond meeting

An attorney fighting the All Aboard Florida project is taking aim at a series of text messages between a representative of the rail company and the chairman of the state board that will decide whether the project receives $1.75 billion in tax exempt bonds.

The text messages show a series of conversations between Florida Development Finance Corp. Chairman Frank White and All Aboard Florida consultant Matt Mohler. Steve Ryan, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who is representing Martin County in its battle to block All Aboard Florida's express passenger trains, obtained the text messages through a public records request.

"This has got to be an enormous concern," Ryan said of the messages. "All Aboard Florida appears to be talking to the decision makers of the FDFC. They seem to be very close to one another."

Through the string of text messages, which span from April to July, Mohler attempts to set up a meeting between White and All Aboard Florida officials.

Ryan said he is concerned that the meeting was not part of the public record.

"What we have seen appears to be the tip of an iceberg," Ryan said. "We don't know how big the iceberg is below the waterline."

All Aboard Florida did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In Palm Beach County, it is not uncommon for developers and lobbyists to seek meetings with government leaders before they vote or hold meetings on a particular project. Those meetings are typically disclosed during the public hearing on the project.

The Florida Development Finance Corp. will meet on Aug. 5 to discuss All Aboard Florida's request for $1.75 billion in tax exempt bonds.

All Aboard Florida won preliminary approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation in December to issue $1.75 billion in tax-exempt bonds to help pay for its express-passenger rail line planned between Miami and Orlando. The company has been given until Jan. 1 to sell the bonds to private investors.

Before it can move forward with the sale, All Aboard also needs the blessing of the Florida Development Finance Corp.

[Crabernacle]

Fighting against progress, destined to be on the wrong side of history. These idiots are tilting at windmills and applauding themselves for slaying dragons.

[acme54321]

The ball's rolling on this thing already.  FEC has boots on the ground all over South Florida.  They can try to fight it all they want but they're just a minor inconvenience at this point.

[thelakelander]

Despite the foolishness, a deal has been worked out to extend Tri-Rail to AAF's downtown complex in 2017.