[Texgreen] Rick Perry's corporate coronation

[Roger Baker]

<http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4468535.html>

Jan. 13, 2007, 11:06AM
Corporations to pay bulk of Perry's $2 ceremony

AUSTIN =97 Energy provider TXU Corp. and a Houston construction firm =20
with a state contract to help build toll roads across Texas are among =20=

the companies paying most of the $2 million tab for Gov. Rick Perry's =20=

inaugural celebration this week.

Corporations will underwrite $1.4 million of Tuesday's festivities =20
around the Capitol, where Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst will be =20
sworn in. The inauguration kickoffs a daylong party featuring a =20
parade, barbecue and a glittery black-tie ball.

Companies say the political contributions are part of doing business =20
in the state, while critics argue that the donations help =20
corporations and their executive get access and special treatment.

Dallas-based TXU is a $15,000 donor for the celebration, which comes =20
about 14 months after Perry issued an executive order to fast-track =20
the permitting process for new coal-fired power plants. Florida-based =20=

AshBritt Inc., also a $15,000 donor, is a debris-removal company that =20=

has sought government contracts following hurricanes and ice storms =20
that hit Texas.

Kathy Walt, a spokeswoman for Perry, said private donors help save =20
tax dollars and make the inaugural more affordable.

"These are individuals and corporations who choose to be a part of a =20
historical event and help plan a celebration that involves Texans all =20=

across the state," she said.

Thousands are expected to attend the swearing in at the Capitol. =20
Under state law, corporations are prohibited from contributing to =20
political candidates but may pay for inaugural activities.

The list of the corporate donors was obtained by The Dallas Morning =20
News through the inaugural committee. AT&T Corp. is the biggest =20
contributor at $100,000. Exxon Mobil Corp. and Time Warner Inc. were =20
the next-largest contributors, with each giving $50,000.

Houston-based Dannenbaum Engineering, which has a state contract as =20
part of Perry's toll road initiative, is a $10,000 donor.

"It's the party the corporate lobby can't afford to miss," said Craig =20=

McDonald of Texans for Public Justice, a nonprofit group that tracks =20
campaign contributions.

Corporate money also financed much of Perry's inaugural festivities =20
in 2003, which cost $1.5 million.

The companies of business executives appointed to coveted state =20
boards and commissions by Perry are also among the donors for =20
Tuesday's celebration. Peter Holt of San Antonio is an appointee to =20
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. His company, Holt CAT, gave =20
$50,000 to the inauguration.

Not all inaugural donors have been exclusive supporters of Perry.

Dallas dental-clinic operator David Alameel gave $300,000 to the =20
campaign of Carole Keeton Strayhorn during last year's gubernatorial =20
race. For Perry's inauguration Tuesday, Alameel gave $50,000.