By Kristena Hansen
Phoenix Business Journal
School districts around the Phoenix area are putting hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements up for a vote next week, and the strongest campaign support is coming from the same construction companies that could benefit from the voter-approved projects.
On Nov. 6, voters will decide the fate of capital programs in 27 Maricopa County school districts. The vast majority of the financial support these campaigns have received this election cycle has come from the construction industry, according to an analysis of campaign finance documents by the Phoenix Business Journal.
Some local experts say this type of campaign backing can undermine voter confidence and pose potential conflicts of interest that may need to be addressed by state lawmakers.
“It does raise the issue as to whether or not the construction industries are placing themselves in an awkward position,” said David Jones, president and CEO of the Arizona Construction Association, formerly the Arizona Contractors Association. “I think it would be appropriate to have the Legislature look into whether or not this is a potential conflict, and if it is, then we need to pass laws that would outline what is acceptable and appropriate.”
