Blackwater Opponents Accuse Lobbying Firm of Conflict of Interest

KPBS (2007-09-05) AmitaSharma

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Opponents of a defense contractor's proposal to build a training camp in San Diego's backcountry say a lobbying firm that works both for the county and the company has a conflict of interest. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

Blackwater USA has hired government relations firm Carpi & Clay to foster local contacts for its plan to build a training center in Potrero east of San Diego. The county of San Diego also uses Carpi & Clay and its parent firm Nielsen Merksamer for lobbying services in Sacramento. Project opponent Raymond Lutz is uncomfortable with that relationship because the county has final say over the project.

*Lutz:* The county, as spending taxpayer money on this service, should not be allowed to have a service provider that also represents one of the firms that’s coming before the county for a huge decision.

Watchdog groups say it is legal for Carpi & Clay to work both for Blackwater and the county as long as that work doesn't overlap.

Amita Sharma, KPBS News.