He gave $28,000 to an independent political group that sent fliers attacking county Board of Supervisors' candidate Gary Lopez during the November campaign. Lopez was running against incumbent Jeff Grover, a strong supporter of Kamilos' Crows Landing bid.
Kamilos is one of the biggest contributors to Gov. Schwarzenegger, donating more than $300,000 to his campaign. And he is a member of presidential candidate Sen. John McCain's financial advisory committee.
The contributions reflect his philosophical leanings rather than a business strategy, Kamilos said.
Schwarzenegger's vow to come to Sacramento and cut through the bureaucracy to make the state work better appealed to Kamilos.
"His message resonated with me. … I always want to support people who have a long-term vision."
The contribution in Stanislaus County came because he was approached by local business community members who thought Lopez did not have "a broader vision for the Central Valley," Kamilos said.
That broader vision Kamilos seeks includes solving regional problems that cross political boundaries and looking decades into the future rather than just at present problems.
"The support we provide, there's no apologies," Kamilos added. "It's a belief that I have, and I'll continue to pursue that. I think it's so critical we have that perspective in the Central Valley."
Kamilos has been accused of using his political influence to pressure Stanislaus County officials. But those who have worked with him on other projects say they haven't experienced that.
"He knows people in power here in Sacramento," said Paul Hahn, director of economic development for Sacramento County. "But he's never tried to bulldoze things through the county staff using political connections. We've worked it out at the staff level."
Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson agreed.
"I think Gerry is definitely acquainted with the political process and participates in it," he said. "There are benefits to knowing people in office. But I've never seen an incidence of inappropriate political pressure."
