Joseph P. Schiaffino is one of the Republican Candidates for State Senate in the 10th District to replace Joe Conti, who is retiring. Mr. Schiaffino kindly agreed to respond to our lobbying regulation questions. Those responses are below:
Question 1: What should be the goals of any lobbying laws or reform in Pennsylvania?
Schiaffino: The goal of any lobbying reform laws should be strict limits on what if anything may be given to legislators, and complete reporting of all contributions to a legislator and/or his campaign.
Question 2: What entity or entities should be responsible for administering these laws?
Schiaffino: The attorney general is the highest law enforcement officer in the state. Enforcement should be the responsibility of his office.
Question 3: Are there any other states that could or should serve as a model for lobbying regulation?
Schiaffino: I know other states have much better lobbying regulations on the books, and I would certainly look to them for ideas on toughening Pennsylvania's laws. We don't have to reinvent the wheel here.
Question 4: What kind of public reporting requirements should be required for lobbying? How much information should a citizen be able to find publicly about the activities of a lobbyist, and how should that information be made available?
Schiaffino: Sunshine laws should be made to apply to all contacts between lobbyists and legislators. They are trying to influence the legislator to do something favorable to them and the public needs to know what is going on, and if it is in the best interests of the citizens and the state.
Question 5: Should lobbyists be required to pay, through registration fees, for all costs involved in providing such registration/regulation/public reporting?
Schiaffino: I would consider an annual or one time registration fee to cover recording and reporting of lobbying activities.