Ladeez And Gentlemen: The Lobbyists Who Have Bought YOUR New Castle County Council

There are absolutely no checks-and-balances on unfettered development–except perhaps for where the developers themselves live.  Before we get into this legalized bribery, let’s first define exactly who are those doing the bribing.  These are the names I’ve come across who generally appear before Council and/or their committees and/or before County departments on land use issues.  (Nancy, and others, please let me know who I’ve missed.)

Larry Tarabicos.  In his own words:

As the founding partner of Tarabicos Grosso, Larry represents many of the largest land developers, builders, and investors in the region in connection with their projects in Delaware. Some of the more prominent projects Larry is currently working on, or has worked on in the past, include: state-of-the-industry mixed-use development projects at Avenue North, Concord Plaza, Linden Hill Station, Barley Mill Plaza, and the Town of Whitehall; the campus expansion at Goldey-Beacom College; numerous residential communities, including Rothwell Estates, Ponds of Odessa, Village of Long Creek, the Village of Eastridge, Greenhill Estates, Brennan Estates, and Stonewold; numerous age-restricted 55 and older communities, including Village of Rocky Run, Little Falls Village, and Milltown Village; Christiana Mall development, redevelopment, and expansion; Christiana Retail Center; Governors Square; Apex Office Building; Hockessin Athletic Club; and development and financing of the Odyssey Charter School campus.

Mike Hoffman.  Another partner in Tarabicos Grosso, Hoffman went the revolving door route–from representing municipalities ‘on a wide range of issues’, to representing developers before the County.  He’s also the designated guy you should give your check to if you show up at the bribing reception for Brandon Toole and Valerie George (just click on the link therein).  BTW, if you contrast the names at this law firm with names on the campaign finance reports, you will note that several of ‘Our People’ and/or their relatives, often appear on councilpersons’ campaign reports.

Shawn Tucker.  Talk about your blatant ‘revolving door’ lobbyists, Tucker pretty much defines the term:

Shawn Tucker is an accomplished and well-respected real-estate attorney who has successfully quarterbacked some of Delaware’s largest development projects – from negotiating complex purchase agreements to obtaining final land use approvals in short order. In fact, Shawn’s unique background makes him a natural choice for developers and business leaders looking to expand in Delaware.

Prior to entering private practice, Shawn served as New Castle County’s First Assistant County Attorney responsible for overseeing all land use matters and related litigation in the State’s largest county.

Shawn routinely assists landowners, developers and employers successfully navigate their zoning, subdivision, environmental and permitting needs statewide. Such engagements routinely involve obtaining land use approvals State-wide including, including, e.g. major and minor land development approvals, rezonings, variances, special use permits, conditional use permits, stormwater and erosion control approvals and traffic impact study related waivers. Shawn also assists clients with property assessment appeals, code enforcement matters and real-estate related litigation State-wide.

Bill Rhodunda:  Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but, yes, he strolled through that lucrative revolving door:

Bill’s practice focuses on residential and commercial real estate transactions – closings and refinances, zoning issues, and plan approvals. He has extensive experience in zoning and subdivision law, real estate and regulatory matters in private practice. He also has a strong background in civil and criminal litigation, as well as government relations.

Prior to entering private practice, Bill held several government positions. He was appointed the County Attorney for New Castle County, Delaware and managed the County Law Department. In that capacity, he was extensively involved with the development of the New Castle County zoning and subdivision code, the current governing land use code in New Castle County. In addition, Bill handled legal matters relating to pending land use applications, and matters before the New Castle County Board of Adjustment and Planning Board. As County Attorney, Bill also prepared and lobbied for legislation on behalf of the County at both the state and local levels.

Pam Scott:  You know the name, you know her husband, the profoundly-undistinguished former County Executive Paul Clark.  Here’s what she’s about:

Primarily, Pam helps commercial, industrial and institutional clients navigate land use and zoning issues for real estate projects involving the intersection of administrative law and government relations. She also combines her knowledge of the energy industry, land use and zoning law to advise developers and land owners on renewable energy projects ranging in size from utility-scale solar facilities to rooftop facilities. In addition, she represents clients in commercial transactions involving the sale, leasing and financing of real estate.

Wendie Stabler:  Wife of former R National Committeeman Laird Stabler.  Same law firm as Pam Scott:

Wendie Stabler handles complex real estate transactions and land development projects for Fortune 500 companies and other entities across many industries, including health care, pharmaceuticals, financial services and higher education. With more than 30 years of experience helping clients close real estate deals and complete land developments, Wendie understands how these two areas of the law intersect and provides counsel about how to navigate controversies that arise when projects come under regulatory or community scrutiny. She regularly appears before zoning and planning authorities and assists her clients in negotiating sophisticated deals that in many instances have had a major economic impact.

John Tracey:  Yet another revolving door beneficiary:

Former Assistant County Attorney and First Assistant County Attorney with New Castle County, representing the County’s various administrative Land Use Boards, including the Board of Adjustment, Planning Board and Historic Review Board.

When land development projects require the approval of land use and zoning regulators at the municipal, county, or state level, John Tracey is regularly called upon to navigate the necessary processes. His clients include developers, home-builders, retailers, corporate investors, and cellular communications companies placing new cell towers.

As both the degree of regulation and the prevailing political climate can vary widely from one jurisdiction to another, John is known for his ability to negotiate the needed approvals while remaining sensitive to the many constituencies that might weigh in on them.

In such circumstances, John draws on his strong working relationships with the government agencies involved. Having worked previously in government — representing various land use bodies and boards — he brings to the approval process a thorough understanding of both the procedures and possible pitfalls, thus enabling him to resolve issues and secure approvals in a timely and efficient manner.

Allow me to stipulate that Not All Development Is Bad.  My point with these articles is to illustrate how good vs. bad has no bearing on what gets approved. All you have to do is to follow the money. And have people representing the developers who can and do game the system.  If the people I’ve listed above didn’t contribute, and often contribute extensively, to the campaign coffers of County Council members, I wouldn’t be as PO’d.  However, they have, several of them more than generously.  As have others of their, wait for it, ilk.

Next time:  A deep dive into which Council members have been corrupted.  By which I mean corrupted absolutely.