Governor Ron DeSantis' recent reappointment of three members to the South Florida Water Management District could soon be raising eyebrows in certain political circles, as apparent financial connections between two of the water district's reappointees and Gov. DeSantis's presidential campaign could be seen as "pay-for-play."
On August 4, 2023, Gov. DeSantis announced the reappointment of Chauncey Goss, John Steinle, and Scott Wagner to the South Florida Water Management District, a body essential to ecosystem restoration and flood protection in South Florida. While these appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, the connections between the appointees' financial support of DeSantis's presidential campaign draw attention.
Chauncey Goss, Managing Partner of Goss Practical Solutions, LLC, has also financially supported DeSantis's campaign. His donations, though not as sizable as Wagner's, are still noteworthy, totaling $1,855.78. Goss's background includes roles in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Budget and service on the United Way Board of Directors. His reappointment to the South Florida Water Management District follows his series of contributions to the campaign.
The most startling connection involves Scott Wagner, the founder of Wagner Legal, and a renowned figure in Miami's legal scene. Wagner's standing as an expert in maritime law and his various accolades in the field have cemented his reputation. But it's his deep financial ties to Governor Ron DeSantis's campaign that will most likely perk the interests of Florida's political class.
Wagner is listed as the President of a political not-for-profit corporation named Faithful & Strong Policies, Inc. Through his organization, Wagner has orchestrated substantial financial support for DeSantis's political ambitions. The corporation has donated a total of $5.5 million to the Never Back Down PAC, which appears to be doing the heavy grassroots lift for DeSantis's presidential bid.
A timeline of events further fuels suspicion. On June 30, 2023, FAITHFUL & STRONG POLICIES INC. contributed $500,000 to DeSantis' super PAC.
Weeks after Wagner cut the $500,000 check to his presidential PAC, DeSantis reappointed Wagner to his position as Vice Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District.
The financial connections don't end with corporate contributions. Wagner, along with his wife, Shoshanna, individually maxed out their personal contributions to DeSantis' campaign at $6,600 each. These donations, made in late May 2023, came just before the substantial corporate contribution.
The intertwining of these donations with Wagner's reappointment raises ethical questions, and cast a shadow over the integrity of political appointments, especially when sizable financial support is involved.
Though no evidence of illegality has been uncovered, the pattern of donations followed by a reappointment has many questioning whether this could be a case of "pay-for-play" politics.
John Steinle, a Partner at Atlantic Street Capital, was the third reappointee. There is no known financial connection to the campaign.
