5 things to know about FPL's Daniel Martell, a power broker linked to political controversies
The vice president of legislative affairs at FPL since 2016, Daniel Martell – who has hobnobbed with the elite in Palm Beach County – has been linked to several political controversies, according to documents obtained by the nonprofit investigative journalists at Floodlight and other news outlets, and provided to The Palm Beach Post.
1. 'Make his life a living hell,' says email from FPL's Eric Silagy
In one, Martell received an email from his boss, FPL chief Eric Silagy, responding to an article about then-state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez. The Miami-area Democrat had proposed a pro-solar bill and Silagy said he wanted Martell and another vice president to “make his life a living hell …. seriously.” Martell then forwarded that message to an outside consultant, a firm called Matrix.
2. Daniel Martell was asked to look at articles before they published on The Capitolist website
The documents show Martell was asked for pre-publication input on articles to be published on The Capitolist, a website controlled by Matrix. For instance, when forwarded a draft of an article that condemned utility deregulation, Martell replied, "I like it."
Martell had also received Facebook analytics for the site that showed its online reach and coordinated with consultants to publish a negative story about 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum right before the election, the Miami Herald reported.
For subscribers:FPL's Daniel Martell, linked to political controversies, is a key player in Palm Beach County
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3. Daniel Martell brought changes to Economic Council of Palm Beach County
Many credit Martell, as chief executive, with turning around the Economic Council of Palm Beach County by restoring the power and prominence of the group that counts the area’s business elites and leaders as members. He assumed the helm at age 36.
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When Martell got on board in 2012, the council raised member dues, changed its logo, moved to downtown West Palm Beach and expanded its outreach to help cities, nonprofits and even the school board “become more financially efficient,” a Post article from 2013 reported.
He also urged county officials to spend public money on the new spring training home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals, which became Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. He also was an outspoken proponent of slot machines at the Palm Beach Kennel Club
He joined Florida Power & Light in 2016.
4. Vice president of real estate at Florida Crystals
Martell came to the council from Florida Crystals, where he was vice president of real estate. In that role, he worked with the Port of Palm Beach and the county in trying to build an inland port near South Bay.
Personal notes about Daniel Martell
Education: Martell holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Florida and juris doctor to practice law from Nova Southeastern University.
First job: Cleaning tennis courts at a country club in Jacksonville, his hometown
First job out of law school: Home Builders Association as director of government and political affairs in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Facts about Daniel Martell, FPL broker with political controversies
