John Price flew the largest American flag in his elite Salt Lake City neighborhood, but he wanted an even bigger one. "I want a 100-foot pole and a 20-by-50-foot flag," the mall developer told the Associated Press in 1999. "I get that patriotic urge, and I want a 100-foot pole out there. . . . My religion is America."
When it comes to campaign contributions, Price also believes that bigger is better. "You can't just vote," he said in 1997, offering his vision of democracy. "One vote alone doesn't change much. With money you can influence many people and help to get many votes. If you don't spend money, you don't move the goals of the Republican Party forward."
In 1999, Price hosted Utah Governor Mike Leavitt on his private plane -- even as he fought with state officials trying to collect $100,000 in property taxes he owed for the $6.5 million jet. Price insisted there was nothing improper about the "social" flight, even though he and the governor discussed the tax dispute. Later that year, according to Texans for Public Justice, Price and other owners successfully lobbied the Utah legislature to halve the airplane tax.
JP Realty, a real estate investment trust, operates 18 regional shopping malls in the West, making it the nation's 45th largest owner of shopping centers. Between 1995 and 1996, Price contributed more than $200,000 to federal candidates and lobbying efforts. The following year, Forbes reported, the industry was rewarded with a dozen changes in the federal tax code, which allowed real estate trusts to buy and sell more properties without jeopardizing their privileged tax status.
Price, who oversaw preparations for the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia last summer, makes no secret of his influence. "Money talks," he told reporters. "I hate to be that blunt about it, but it's that simple."
-- Michael Scherer
