Shell Game
In 2005, the City of Los Angeles, Calif., seized some private land by eminent domain to build an animal shelter. The furniture factory that was there for 20 years was “thriving,” said the firm. It cost the city $5.8 million to buy them out. But after just a year, the city announced it wants to build the shelter somewhere else, so it’s going to sell the property even though the switch will add $5–11 million to its cost. And who is buying the land? A furniture manufacturer — not the same one, but another company that has contributed $17,600 to city politicians. The expensive new deal is better, says City Councilman Bernard Parks. The area is “one of the last inner-city industrial areas, and so we are trying to ensure that it continues to develop,” he says, while “the original proposal impairs the growth of a major economic development.” Parks’ election committee received a $1,000 contribution from the company trying to buy the property. (Los Angeles Times) ...The surprising thing isn’t how easily politicians can be bought, but rather how low their price is.
Available in This is True: Book Collection Vol. 12