Steve Hartman sold his engineering firm to Sneed in July, records show. Both are well involved in Jefferson Parish Politics.
Hartman Engineering Inc., a politically connected Kenner firm that has contributed to many campaign coffers and done design work for the governments of Kenner and Jefferson Parish over the years, has changed hands.
Kenner engineering firm Hartman Engineering was sold in July.Steve Hartman sold the company in July to B.K. Sneed, vice president of a real estate development firm and father of former Parish Councilwoman Jennifer Sneed. Hartman will remain as president for the next three years, according to a statement released by the company.
"The new owner, B.K. Sneed, will continue to operate the company in the same manner, providing excellent engineering services, as did Mr. Hartman," the statement said.
Hartman didn't disclose what Sneed paid for the company, and Sneed didn't return a message left Tuesday seeking comment.
The change in ownership is notable for the roles Hartman and Sneed have played in local politics.
A strong supporter of Kenner politicians, including Councilman Louis Congemi, Hartman has contributed generously to political war chests. He or his firm has given $55,350 to members of the current council and Parish President John Young, campaign finance records show.
Hartman Engineering was involved in plans to privatize Kenner's water system in the 1980s and the expansion of Jefferson Parish's public landfill at Waggaman. The council has also tapped Hartman Engineering for sewerage design and management work over the years.
Sneed also has a long history with parish government. He served as public works director under Parish President Mike Yenni and Tim Coulon and was acting parish president while Coulon was running for the office in 1995. He settled in as Coulon's executive assistant for six years before quitting public service in 2001 to join Willow Inc., a development firm owned by Jim Ward.
Ward is stepfather to Fred Heebe, who is married to Jennifer Sneed. She served on the council from 2004 to 2008.
Heebe and Ward also co-own River Birch Inc., a landfill company now weathering a federal criminal investigation after signing a contract in 2009 to close Jefferson's public dump so it could dispose of the parish's residential garbage. No one has been charged with a crime.
Sneed has contributed $8,300 to sitting parish officials, campaign records show. Councilman Elton Lagasse has received $3,000 since November; council Chairman Chris Roberts received $300 in October 2010, and Young received $5,000 in September 2010, records show.