Citizens for a Brighter Future, the PAC that was formed to support the school and community college bonds, reported contributions of $35,187.

Lowe’s was by far the biggest contributor, giving $10,000 to the bond (tax increase) campaign. Over the past several years, the company has received millions of dollars of “incentives” from the county. In effect, Lowe’s was reimbursed for the property tax it paid.

Lowe’s has been a good corporate citizen whose presence has benefited the county. But many find it ironic that a corporation that lobbied for tax breaks for itself contributed to a campaign to raise taxes on everyone else.

Moseley Architects donated $1,000 to the pro-bond campaign. The firm was employed as architects for the Third Creek Elementary, N.B. Mills addition, Scotts Elementary, Woodland Heights Elementary, and Troutman Middle projects.

MBAJ Architecture also contributed $1,000. The company was the architect for Lake Norman High, Mooresville Intermediate, and the addition to Mooresville High. The county employed the firm as architect for the renovation of the former Lowrance Hospital Building.

Another $1,000 donor was Conterra, LLC. This firm installed the wireless broadband system for ISS.

Several other corporate contributors provide architectural, insurance, and other services to school systems.

The mainstream press has not reported these apparent conflicts of interest