Exec accused of trying to buy Gilbert official’s vote.
By Parker Leavitt
The Arizona Republic
A former Valley CEO’s apparent offer to buy a Gilbert councilwoman’s vote last month was sent as part of what appears to be a calculated strategy, contrary to his initial claim that his e-mail was merely “keyboard therapy” sent by accident, according to documents obtained by The Arizona Republic.
Meanwhile, Gilbert police say their criminal investigation involving possible felony bribery charges against former Green Global CEO Mike Hoffman has been forwarded to the FBI to avoid a conflict of interest during election season, police Sgt. Bill Balafas said.
When first confronted about his Aug. 6 e-mail to Councilwoman Jenn Daniels, in which Hoffman apparently offered to buy full-page ads for Daniels’ campaign if she would support the company’s solar project, Hoffman insisted in an interview with The Republic that he never meant to send the message.
“I meant to put it away somewhere and it got sent, so I’ve recalled that and apologized to Jenn Daniels,” Hoffman said.
