Billy Long may have crossed into a Congressional ethics problem regarding his fiduciary business. In the spring last year Long told Josh Marsh on KZRG in Joplin, he would have to sell his auction company and his one third share in Murney Associates if he was elected to Congress.
What happens next? Well let's just say it's the slight of hand we expect from members of Congress. It's what most people would call cronieism of the worst kind.
In April 2011, the Springfield News-Leader reported, Seventh District Congressman Billy Long said he had dissolved his auction company, in accordance with Congressional rules.
However, auctions around Springfield are asking curious bidders to call 882-5664 for more information on several auctions. If you aren't familiar with that number, it translates into the letters 882-LONG ("not the wrong number but the Long number"), the phone number of what was Billy Long Auctions. As well, the URL billylong.com transfers to the Congressional version of Billy Long Auctions titled Bob Kollmeier Auctions and Appraisals.
At the top of the advertisements is Billy Long's business partner at Billy Long Auctions, Bob Kollmeier. Clearly the auction company Long told the News-Leader was dissolved still exists. However, that's not really an issue despite the misinformation the News-Leader obviously spent no time investigating. (Once again, it appears advertising dollars are impacting the lack of reporting at the News-Leader.)
What makes it alarming is Bob Kollmeier is a paid staff member on Long's Congressional staff.
Records from Legistorm shows Kollmeier made $15,888.90 in the first quarter of 2011, all the while running the present version of Billy Long Auctions, which Long claimed he was being forced to sell and then claims he dissolved. Considering all the evidence and claims made by Congressman Long, this is looking quite fishy.
As well, what has become of Long's 1/3 share in Murney Associates?
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