PSoTD

Mark Purcell, candidate for State Representative in Pennsylvania House District 20, was kind enough to respond to my questions about lobbyist registration policy in Pennsylvania. Below are his responses:

Question 1: What should be the goals of any lobbying laws or reform in Pennsylvania?

Mark Purcell: Total disclosure of all gifts and money spent on, or given to lawmakers in Pennsylvania.

Question 2: What entity or entities should be responsible for administering these laws?

Mark Purcell: State Department.

Question 3: Are there any other states that could or should serve as a model for lobbying regulation?

Mark Purcell: California.

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?

Mark Purcell: Reporting requirements should give full disclosures like, name of entity, person, or firm working for, or representing entity. All information should be available for citizens to view. I can't think of any legitimate reason not to disclose all info. The information might be disclosed in a form submitted by the lobbyist.

Question 5: Should lobbyists be required to pay, through registration fees, for all costs involved in providing such registration/regulation/public reporting?

Mark Purcell: Yes.

Question 6: How important is lobbyist regulation/registration to you as an issue? Is this something you would see as a top priority for the General Assembly in your first session?

Mark Purcell: It is one of my top priorities along with other reforms like, term limits, and reducing the size of the General Assembly.