Exclusive: Audit Slams Disney for Florida ‘Bait and Switch’: A Deceptive Mousetrap
Disney’s Exploitation of Florida Revealed in Independent Audit
Disney has been accused of using deceptive tactics and exploiting its complete control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) in Florida for over 55 years, according to an independent audit. The report, obtained exclusively by The Daily Wire, claims that Disney manipulated the government entity to maximize its profits at the expense of the public good.
The audit reveals that Disney took advantage of the RCID, which was established by Florida in 1966 to attract the entertainment giant to the state. The report describes Disney’s actions as “shocking” and accuses the company of engaging in corporate cronyism on an unprecedented scale.
Florida Governor’s Fight Against Disney
The release of the audit comes nine months after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dissolved the Disney-controlled district. Critics argued that DeSantis’ decision was driven by his political feud with the company. DeSantis justified his actions by stating that Disney should be subject to the same laws as everyone else and that allowing a corporation to govern itself was bad policy.
The findings of the audit are expected to support DeSantis’ position, as the report states that the RCID’s existence was a significant departure from Florida’s good governance standards.
Shady Tactics and Corruption
The audit examined the district’s finances, governing structures, and urban planning. It uncovered evidence of Disney’s use of underhanded tactics to maintain control, including hand-picking government officials and making payments to district employees that resembled bribes. Disney also exploited the district to avoid taxes and shifted costs onto taxpayers in neighboring communities.
According to George Mason Law School Professor Donald Kochan, one of the auditors, Disney had always intended to govern itself and deceived Florida to establish the Reedy Creek structure. The report highlights how Disney promised to build a city with affordable housing and community services but instead created a tourist-centric Disney World without any housing for permanent residents.
Kochan argues that Disney’s aversion to having a real population in the district was driven by its desire to maintain control and avoid public accountability through elections.
Disney’s Control Over RCID
The audit reveals that Disney meticulously controlled even the democratic aspects of the RCID. Board members were only eligible if they owned land in the district, and Disney would temporarily deed plots of inaccessible land to board members during their service. The company would also pay the property tax for these board members, ensuring their loyalty to Disney’s interests.
The auditors warn that this level of control created the potential for corruption and allowed Disney to exploit the district for its own gain.
Implications for Central Florida
The report concludes that Disney’s mismanagement of the RCID had disastrous consequences for the surrounding communities in Central Florida. These communities were burdened with providing housing, schools, hospitals, and other public services for Disney’s massive workforce, while the district itself lacked workforce housing and essential amenities.
While acknowledging Disney’s positive impact on the region, the audit suggests that the company could have achieved similar benefits for Central Florida without the need for self-governance.
Legislative Actions and Court Battles
The legislation that dissolved the RCID required the completion of this audit within a year. Democratic lawmakers have recently introduced legislation to restore the district, claiming that the new governing structure lacks transparency.
The auditors also discovered that Disney made several agreements to solidify its control over the district just before its dissolution. The new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is now challenging these agreements in court.
The report’s authors express no surprise at Disney’s resistance to relinquishing control, stating that a company accustomed to exemptions and privileges would not willingly give them up.
The full report will be submitted to Governor DeSantis and the legislature today and can be read here.
What are the consequences of Disney’s control over the RCID, particularly in terms of affordable housing and community services for local residents
The RCID. According to the report, Disney has manipulated the elections for governing board members by hand-picking candidates that were already aligned with the company’s interests. This controlled electoral process allowed Disney to maintain a stronghold over the district and ensure that their agenda was prioritized over public good.
Furthermore, the audit uncovered evidence of Disney’s manipulation of the district’s finances. The report states that Disney shifted costs onto taxpayers in neighboring communities, making them bear the burden of infrastructure and services associated with Disney World. This tactic allowed Disney to maximize its profits by avoiding financial responsibilities that should have been shared more equitably.
The report also reveals instances of corruption within the district. Disney is accused of making payments to district employees that resembled bribes, further solidifying their control over the RCID. These underhanded tactics not only allowed Disney to maintain its grip on power but also raised serious ethical concerns about the company’s conduct.
The Impact on the Public
The exploitation of the RCID by Disney has had significant consequences for the public. The report highlights how Disney’s focus on tourist-centric development has left no room for affordable housing or community services for permanent residents in the district. This lack of affordable housing has led to increased housing prices and a shortage of options for local residents. Meanwhile, Disney’s control over the district has limited public accountability and prevented the implementation of policies that truly serve the needs of the local community.
Moreover, the report argues that Disney’s exploitation of the district has resulted in the diversion of resources and taxpayer dollars away from neighboring communities. This unfair burden has had a negative impact on the quality of infrastructure and services for these communities, further exacerbating the divide between Disney and the surrounding areas.
Calls for Accountability
The release of the independent audit puts forth a strong case for increased scrutiny of Disney’s operations within the RCID. The report’s findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent corporations from abusing their power and exploiting government entities for their own gain.
Additionally, there are growing calls for Disney to be held accountable for its actions. Critics argue that Disney’s deceptive tactics and corporate cronyism must be addressed, and the company should be held responsible for the negative impacts it has had on the public and neighboring communities.
In conclusion, the independent audit’s findings reveal the extent of Disney’s exploitation and manipulation of the RCID in Florida. The report highlights the company’s use of deceptive tactics, corruption, and control over the district to maximize its profits at the expense of the public good. The release of this audit raises important questions about corporate accountability and the need for stronger regulations to prevent similar abuses of power in the future.
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