Bell, Remington, Crawford collaborated on fundraising

Emails recently obtained by Progressive Pensacola show that Escambia County Consolidated Study Commission (ECCSC) chair Ken Bell collaborated with pro-consolidation figures to fundraise for the ostensibly objective study commission.

On September 23, 2009, a “fundraising luncheon” was held on behalf of the ECCSC at Atlas Oyster House. The event was billed as hosted by Chairman Bell, along with Scott Remington and Jason Crawford, co-chairs of the pro-consolidation political committee Escambia All for One, and others. The invitation that was sent out is available below.

In the run-up to the fundraising event, Chairman Bell and Messrs. Remington and Crawford engaged each other in a competition of sorts to see who could raise the most money. In a September 18 email, Mr. Crawford tells Messrs. Bell and Remington, “The game is on! I have a signed check ready … from O’Sullivan Creel in the amount of $1,500. Can [Clark Partington Hart] match? Can we get other firms to match?” Mr. Remington responds, “CPH is in for $2,500.”

On September 21, Chairman Bell writes Messrs. Remington and Crawford: “We trumped you guys! I have hit Beggs & Lane with our contributions (as well the contributions of their major clients- Gulf Power and Regions). Scott and I will hit the other law firms. You guys have to hit on the CPAs! The game is on!”

Click below to download the September 23 fundraiser invitation:

http://progressivepensacola.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Fundraising-Luncheon-Invitation.doc