So Fred's campaign issues a "Special Announcement". Fred Hawkins was recognized as a 2020 Presidential Advocate by the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), who advocate and lobby for Florida counties in Tallahassee. Counties pay to join the organization. The FAC also provides for corporations who want an easy, if not costly way to push their wares in front of local elected officials.
For a fee of $450, your company can run an ad for 30 days in our daily* News Clips newsletter.Isn't this a little like performing pimp-ish services working for benefit of both sides? One has the goods and the other is willing to pay.
As the photo above depicts, these awards are handed out to many.
The fact that they gave Fred recognition in 2019 at the exact same time as he participated in the negotiations that brought tons of out of state COAL ASH (jeopardizing the health of his constituents) made me question the organization behind the recognition.
It's a good press release sound bite but it is pretty much meaningless from the standpoint of being an advocate for the citizens you represent. FAC are lobbyists, plain and simple, using fancy marketing language and tools. "Presidential Advocate" My A_ _ ..... ummmm......INDEED.
FAC needs willing players in the corporation/governmental arena so Of COURSE they give out "awards".
The fact that the entire Osceola Board of County Commissioners warranted the recognition two years in a row, while their constituents are screaming for their heads, doesn't make this something to be proud of.
To me it raises concerns about those willing to work with lobbyists fueled by corporate partners while ignoring the wishes of the actual people who they are suppose to represent. Once again I have to say #HellNoHawkins2020
