January 1998

$100K? No thanks! California Libertarian rejects "bribe" A California Libertarian activist has turned down $100,000 in "hush money" to end his opposition to a tax-financed convention center in San Diego -- and vows to keep fighting to put the $214 million project up for a public vote. RICHARD RIDER Richard Rider, described by newspapers as the "Most Feared Man in Town" when it comes to opposing government spending, was offered a cool hundred K in cash in early November if he would agree to 60 days of silence on the proposed convention center expansion. The offer was made by the San Diego Port Tenants Association, which supports the center. Rider said he was asked to agree not to comment publicly about the convention center for 60 days; not to sue to block the latest financing deal between the city and the port; and not to take part in any anti-convention center referendum drive. "Essentially, they wanted me to drop all opposition to the convention center deal," he said. No way in the world But Rider declared that there was "no way in the world" he would take the money. "It was a rather interesting offer," he said. "It was interesting because of the absurdity." A local newspaper columnist did the math, and figured out that "the daily rate for Rider's silence is $1,666." The story of the "$100,000 bribe" generated headlines about Rider in all the local newspapers -- even though the offer was not, strictly speaking, illegal. "I don't think there's anything illegal about it," Rider said. "Apparently, since I'm not a public official, [offering money] is quite legal." Legal or not, the controversy confirmed Rider's stature as a man with veto power over government projects. "When this Libertarian activist scowls, San Diego's power brokers are so shaken you can pick up the tremors on the Richter scale," wrote Peter Rowe in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Rider opposes the tax-funded convention center, and has a lawsuit currently under review by the California Supreme Court to stop its construction. Residents to vote He has also threatened to support a referendum to allow city residents to vote on the bonds the city wants to issue to pay for the controversial construction project. Rider is perhaps best known for his successful 1988 lawsuit against San Diego County, which overturned a $1.5 billon sales tax. He also spearheaded the fight against a proposed $66 million bond deal to enlarge the local professional football team's stadium in San Diego.

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