In my view, there is (at the very least least) a fundamental ethical disconnect when local government elected officials then get hired by wireless firms, and then use their elected position in connection with promoting the wireless industry agenda nearby jurisdictions. This is not like an elected operating a local pharmacy, and being greeted with, ‘Hey, Mayor, can I get a refill on my prescription?’ This is more like an elected making meeting appointments with electeds and other senior officials in nearby communities, then going in and saying things like, ‘As a Council Member in (insert the City name here) I know what you’re going through, and you really should allow the wireless company I represent to build lots of cell sites in your residential neighborhoods.’
I’ve seen it happen in the past, and I’m seeing it happen right now.
No, Madam Council Member or Mr. Mayor, you’re not smarter than the average bear, but only luckier to have been elected so you can then seemingly market yourself and promote your wireless employer off of your elected position.
I can hardly wait for the California Fair Political Practices Commission Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests) season to open next year. It’ll be interesting to see what the going employment salary is this year for elected official who are then employed by wireless providers.
Yup.
jlk
