Laurie Cole: "Show Me the Money!"

Laurie Cole Says, "Show Me the Money!" We say, "Resign now."

Let's Play Jeopardy! Answer: $625,000. Question: How much was Laurie Cole paid by Steve Bukont in 2005 for her home?

We all knew that Steve Bukont built Laurie Cole's new house in 2002, but we did not know until today that Laurie Cole was also Bukont's immediate contiguous neighbor prior to moving in 2002. Now we can reveal that Bukont paid Cole's husband $625,000 for her old house in 2005 when the County assessment was only $394,000! No agent was involved in the deal. The appearance of a $200,000+ premium paid to Cole and a complete lack of public disclosure is troubling. Why wait three years to sell the old house to millionaire developer Bukont with no agent? Good question. How much more money has Cole made on other "connections" in Town government? The investigation of this is just starting and it stinks to high heaven.

We mince no words: Laurie Cole should immediately step aside from Vienna politics. If Cole wins reelection in 2006, an immediate investigation will proceed. If Cole wins reelection, her profiteering from her Bukont association will be a daily issue. Cole has lost all credibility. Has she padded her pockets while bringing into question every one of her votes?

A quick refresher on Cole events of the last few years:

1. Steve Bukont built Laurie Cole's new house in 2002. How much did he charge Cole?
2. Roy J. Baldwin, a close associate of Cole, has tried to spread rumors that this site is out to profit in some manner. The reality? Baldwin's buddy Cole was getting rich in the incestuous world of Vienna government.
3. Review Board Chairman Steve Bukont called citizens f**king morons in 2005 forcing his resignation. Cole later defended foul-mouth Bukont:

"It is with great sadness that I see Mr. Bukont's resignation before us. Mr. Bukont and his wife are active, engaged members of our community. They have given generously of their time and talents to enhance the quality of life in our Town. The barrage of insinuation and innuendo recently directed toward Mr. Bukont is reprehensible. I am very sorry that he and his family have been subjected to it. There is always room for civil discourse concerning differing views in public affairs. But insidious, unfounded attacks on a person's integrity are beyond the pale of civil debate. Such conduct places a chill over the public forum. Citizens are understandably reluctant to undertake public service when their professional and personal lives may become the targets of such despicable attacks. Vienna is fortunate to count among its residents many, many talented individuals willing to contribute their time and abilities to the greater good of all of us. It would be a tremendous loss to our community if the threat of unwarranted vilification were to discourage such contribution. So I am speaking tonight in support and gratitude for those of our citizens, like Mr. Bukont, who give their time and skills in serving on Town Boards and Commissions. I believe it is important to speak out on this matter, mindful of these words of Edmund Burke, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' I hope the other members of Council join me in my support of our citizen Boards and Commissions."
Laurie Cole (Verbatim Town Council Minutes 1/06)

Nice speech Mrs. Cole, but you failed to mention that you were paid $625,000 by Steve Bukont less than a year before. Were your words and actions bought and paid for? NO ONE would have taken Cole serious if she had under full disclosure revealed how much cash Bukont paid her. How many votes has Cole cast for Bukont while serving roles on the Planning Commission and Town Council? Sit tight, we will find out.

More evidence? Here is an audio clip (MP3) from Fall 2003 where Cole says she has "no continuing business transactions" with Bukont at the Council meeting where Bukont got approval to build his new Church Street building. Does selling your house to Bukont for $625,000 count as a 'business transaction'? Bukont makes money. Cole makes money. Who else is padding their pockets in this circus?

Lastly, if you are a Laurie Cole supporter, this site is not necessarily against you. There is no way you could have known she was making such large amounts of money sitting in the catbird seat of Vienna government.