PSoTD

It's pretty clear that the scope of the problem hasn't been figured out if local governments are required to hire lobbyists in order to coordinate with state legislatures and the Federal Government.

From the Rockford Register Star:

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey has proposed forming a nonprofit group to hire someone to represent the city's interests at the state Capitol, and possibly, in Washington, D.C.

Certainly, we have lawmakers in both places, but their attention is split among a thousand priorities, and they sometimes work at cross-purposes in their own little groups. They are elected to represent constituents and regional interests, but their efforts are diverse and divided.

And there are times when they could use a heads up when something is of particular interest to local government. They should welcome the help.

So, call it a hired gun. Whatever. Other Illinois cities, most of them smaller than Rockford, have lobbyists. In the past, some local governmental entities, including the airport and the convention and visitors bureau, have had lobbyists looking out for their specific interests in Springfield. The idea is to have someone on site to identify proposed legislation that could affect the client and lobby for or against it. The lobbyist also is in place to identify opportunities, such as in grants or specific programs, that may benefit clients.

Had Rockford had a lobbyist last year, Rockford may not have missed out on the River Edge development program grants that renew tax credits or are targeted toward cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated "brownfield" sites in cities situated along Illinois' rivers.

Aurora and East St. Louis snagged the $2 million in grants before Rockford even knew about the project. There was some sniping back and forth between Morrissey and former Mayor Doug Scott, who heads up the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which awarded the grants. Some local people thought Scott should have given the city a heads up that the money was available. In his state position, Scott argued, he can't play favorites. Rockford just missed the boat, he said.

He's not our lobbyist, after all.

Some members of the Rockford City Council say we don't need a paid lobbyist. They propose a six-person, bipartisan group of aldermen to do the job in Springfield. A few road trips and a little face time at the Capitol won't do it. This is a job for professionals, not amateur hour. The city needs someone on the scene, in the halls and back rooms where deals go down, on a regular basis.

Just more bullshit for the bullshit fire. The problem is structural. Does every city, every town, every village need to hire a lobbyist? Is that the most effective way we can figure out for governance? If there's a problem - and believe me, lots and lots and lots of cities and towns will be hiring lobbyists this year just because they perceive themselves to be on the wrong side of the money-giving equation at the state or federal level - then perhaps the process is the problem. Maybe local governments need to advocate a change in the process. Otherwise, the tax costs across this country for local government hired lobbyists are going to be causing increases in taxes, because there's a cost to this, whether the lobbyist fails or succeeds.