Taming 'Lobbyists Gone Wild' in Government

       In a "one man (or one woman) - one vote" system of government it is assumed that each vote carries equal weight in influencing elected officials. That is unless the heavyweight voter is a registered lobbyist.
        A lobbyist is defined by the 2014 Florida Statutes as "a person who for compensation seeks to influence governmental decision making, or sought to encourage the passage, defeat or modification of a proposal or recommendation..."
        Who are these lobbyists? They are professionals, with their own state organization, representing private sector clients or special interest groups. Local governments also hire lobbyists to influence elected state and federal officials in the passage of local bills.
        Lobbyists of Palm Beach County Government are required to register under the guidelines set in the "Lobbyist Registration Ordinance" which went into effect on April 2, 2012. A list of lobbyists and their clients can be viewed online. Most municipalities and state government also have registration requirements. The new Palm Beach Code of Ethics places limits on lobbyist contributions to local officials.
        So, is there an issue with lobbyists? In the perception of many citizens, who observe lobbyists in action during public hearings, the answer is yes. Many believe the deck is stacked against citizens when they appear in opposition to lobbyists. Part of the problem stems from the public hearing procedures used by local officials.
        In County Government, and the City of West Palm Beach, a citizen's comments on a project or issue is limited to three minutes. However, the lobbyist petitioning the board often is granted unlimited time to present its case for the client. The lobbyist can call experts to testify, and is granted a rebuttal period to respond citizens in opposition.
        Citizens leave the public hearing with the sense their voices were not heard. So what can be done to create a more even playing field during public hearings, and thus restore citizen confidence in the process? Here are a few ideas that have been tried in other parts of the country:

• Balance the time allotted to both lobbyists and persons or groups in opposition.
• Require registered lobbyists to identify themselves and their clients whenever they address a government board.
• Require commissioners to publish their meetings log with lobbyists online.
• Require commissioners to report political contributions received from lobbyists and their clients when they appear before the board at public hearings.

 (c.) Davidsson. 2014.