Lobbyists influence continues to spread

by: pservelle

Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 11:32:45 AM PDT

Lobbyists continue to extend influence
Posted 9/20/2007 11:41 AM

Okay be honest, you expect this to be about you know who. Well, not today sweet heart. No this is not about the darling of MSM pundits, Ms. HRC (don't be too disappointed after all she is getting a lot of ink, air-time and blog time about her embracing lobbyists as a useful partner in a democracy). In, dare I say it, another local paper, I found this quote: "Those who have the ears of decision makers have an advantage over those who don't."

This bit of wisdom comes from Moreno Valley City Councilwoman, Bonnie Flickinger. She was quoted in a story titled, More cities turning to lobbyists by Dan Lee in today's The Press-Enterprise. Other inland cities identified as employing Wash. DC registered lobbyist, include Hemet, Moreno Valley, San Jacinto and Temecula. I wonder about Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and other Coachella Valley cities.

I guess this is defended in the same way we did as children when our parents caught us doing something we should not be doing. The old canard, "Well, geez, everybody else is doing it." Remember our parent's end of conversation  response? "That doesn't make it right and that doesn't make it okay."

Just because HRC and desert cities use registered lobbyists doesn't make it right, and it doesn't make it okay.
 

Arnold's Canadian Vacation - All-Expenses Paid!

by: David Dayen

Wed May 30, 2007 at 08:49:42 AM PDT

This is about the eighth time I've seen a report simliar to this one that undisclosed donors are financing a Schwarzenegger trade mission.

Fifty-two business delegates will join Schwarzenegger on the trip, according to a list the Governor's Office released Friday. A third of those going represent interests that have donated to Schwarzenegger's campaigns.

The governor's trip will be financed by the California State Protocol Foundation, a tax-exempt organization not required to disclose its donors. California Chamber of Commerce leaders, including President Allan Zaremberg, serve as the group's officers.

The foundation is not required by law to disclose its contributors and has not done so. In 2005, the last year for which IRS forms were available, the group received nearly $2 million in revenue. It reported $1 million in travel expenditures that year after Schwarzenegger led a weeklong trade mission in China.

The excuse put forth by the Governor's spokespeople is always the same: this SAVES taxpayer money because they don't have to finance these trade missions!  Really?  What about all the corporate welfare checks that get cut as a result of this access?  What about all the watered-down regulations that cost taxpayers, not only with money but with public health and quality of life?  What about the state contracts that could go to lower bidders who don't have the same relationships (read: bribery poke) with the Governor?

over...

Term Limits Increases Lobbyists?

by: thelibertariandemocrat (VF2005)

Tue May 15, 2007 at 22:01:07 PM PDT

Republicans Love Ellen Tauscher

by: Bob Brigham

Mon Dec 11, 2006 at 22:40:12 PM PST