Ron Book
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Ron Book is an American lobbyist from the state of Florida.[1][2][3] He has represented state entities, such as Broward County, and private companies, such as the Miami Dolphins.[4]
History
[edit]In 2011, Book was one of the people investigated by the FBI as part of a federal probe into government officials in the state of Florida. According to the allegations, Book had helped state senator Mandy Dawson's boyfriend secure a job at a firm he represented in order to improve relations with her. He denied the allegations.[4][5]
An investigation launched by the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics in 2024 found that Book had failed to cash county Commissioner Sara Baxter's $600 check for a ride that she had taken on his private jet in 2023. Because he had not cashed the check within 90 days of them being issued, the county started considering the ride as a gift, which burdened Book to report them as such, which he failed to do. He was ultimately found to have violated the county's code of ethics regarding gifts by registered lobbyist to government officials and issued a "letter of instruction", the lowest penalty for the violation. The Commission on Ethics stated that the violation "appeared to be inadvertent or unintentional".[6]
In 2024, Book was nominated by fellow Broward Democratic representative Jared Moskowitz for 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in his daughter's nonprofit organization Lauren's Kids, making him one of the thousands of people who received a nomination in that year.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Book was charged with drunk driving in 2019, after his Lamborghini collided with another vehicle.[8] He pleaded no contest to the charge of reckless driving. The driver of the other vehicle filed a lawsuit against him.[9]
He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2022.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Rhodes, Wendy. "Lobbyist Ron Book files suit over birdnapping: 'I will chase you till I die'". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Christensen, Dan (2010-03-23). "Conflict of interest shuts down lobbyist Ron Book's work for bail industry". Florida Bulldog. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Elfrink, Tim. "Lobbyist Ron Book Tries to Tackle the Housing Crisis". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ a b Norman, Bob. "Exclusive: Feds Eyeing Lobbyist Ron Book, Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority". New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Bushouse, Kathy; McMahon, Paula; Wyman, Scott (2009-09-25). "Corruption probe continues in Broward; FBI agents at county building". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Ethics Commission: Lobbyist never cashed Baxter's reimbursement checks for trip, VIP dinner". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Scheckner, Jesse (2024-10-11). "Ron Book nabs Nobel Peace Prize nomination for nonprofit leadership, advocacy". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ "Powerful Lobbyist Ron Book Charged With DUI In Broward - CBS Miami". www.cbsnews.com. 2019-02-25. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Prominent Florida lobbyist Ron Book pleads to reckless driving". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Broward's Ron Book, one of Florida's most influential lobbyists and father of state senator, has throat cancer". Sun Sentinel. 2022-05-10. Retrieved 2024-10-01.