April 16, 2006

What does $1,000 have to do with John Floyd, president of Ole South developers, and candidates for the Murfreesboro City Council?

Of the almost $170,000 in receipts reported by the 11 council candidates on their preliminary financial disclosures, $29,000 was generated by $1,000 contributions, the maximum allowed per individual per candidate. Five candidates — Tim Davis, David Edwards, Leslee Dodd Karl, Shane McFarland and Doug Young — had two or more $1,000 contributions. There were 50 contributions in the $500 to $975 range which accounted for $26,625. All but six of the contributions in this range were for $500.

John Floyd, president of Ole South developers made a number of those contributions, including $1,000 to McFarland and Young and $500 to Edwards. Since preliminary reports were filed, he has made additional contributions to Karl and Davis.

"I supported five different candidates," Floyd said. "These candidates want to be the leaders of this community. It's in my best interest to support people like that."

He rejects the idea the contributions come with strings attached.

"I have only one expectation: For the candidate to return my call and let me state my case," Floyd said. "I know we're not always going to agree, but you're not going to know my position if you don't return my call."
[Pro-growth donations total $30K - Daily News Journal - 04-16-06]