We noticed that on tomorrow’s City Council agenda mayoral candidate Renard Johnson has reported a campaign contribution of $25,000 from local real estate tycoon Preston Brown.
Mr. Brown owns 18 different companies, including Zia Homes, focusing on every aspect of the real estate business.
We congratulate him on his business acumen and his financial success but we are concerned about his huge contribution to Renard Johnson.
Up until now, major developers like Woody Hunt and Paul Foster voluntarily limited themselves to a maximum of $5,000 in individual contributions.
But now a new standard has been set.
Will other big developers start writing larger checks, making it even harder for ordinary taxpayers, who are not wealthy, to advance their political interests?
We may be entering a new political era in El Paso.
Photo credit: Preston Brown Facebook page