Opinion: Adam Putnam, At It Again

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USA Herald recently reported that the Department of Agriculture removed health inspection ratings for grocery stores from its website after several Publix stores in Central Florida failed health inspections and the results were publicized.dc2b7ba376003764

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Publix has been a heavy contributor to Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Florida Grown PAC.

Since the report, USA Herald has discovered that Putnam has taken more Publix money – this time indirectly.

In a time of heightened awareness of the relationship between the regulator and the regulated, and problems with food safety in Tampa area stores – Putnam received a $100,000 contribution from the Florida Retail Federation PAC within a month after Publix made a $225,000 contribution to that same PAC.

This may be a legal tactic, but it shows incredible arrogance on the part of both the company and Putnam. Does Adam Putnam think the people of Florida are too busy to care?  The press corps in Tallahassee too neutered, depleted or simply too lazy to pay attention? Or, is he just so arrogant that he thinks, as the darling of the Establishment, that he’s untouchable?