Local Dark Money - Flipbook - Page 59
In 2008 St. John’s county voters were deciding
whether or not to adopt a county charter . This
would have changed St. John’s county
government to a home rule county with a local
constitution - a county charter - like Sarasota
County. There are 20 charter counties in
Florida. Over seventy-five percent of Floridians
resident in home rule counties.
A flier titled “Why Charter?”, which explained
home rule, was mailed to St. John’s voters. The
flier was funded by Committee for a Positive
Change. David Ramba administered the PAC.
Bradenton-based Schroeder Manatee Ranch
contributed $20,000 to Committee for a
Positive Change, and other committees
contributed as well. There was no clear
connection between these donors and their
interest in St. John’s county.
When he was questioned about the identity of
donors, David Ramba said "There's a trail there
(to find out who is contributing), but it isn't a
clear trail. Especially on negative issues,
