Leon Dems Congratulate County Comm for Lobbying Reforms

TALLAHASSEE, FL – During a scheduled workshop today, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve several measures that will greatly increase transparency of the lobbying process within local government. 

“It’s a good day for the citizens of Leon County,” said Rick Minor, Chair of the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC).  “We congratulate the County Commissioners for taking steps to let more sunshine into our local government.”

“In particular, Commissioner Cliff Thaell, Common Cause Florida and the League of Women Voters have worked hard and can be very proud of their accomplishment today.   And of course, the Leon DEC can be very proud of its own involvement in formulating some of the adopted proposals,” said Minor.

The Leon County Democratic Executive Committee’s original proposal, submitted to the Board of County Commissioners in June, included the following measures approved by the Board today:

·        Disclosing of new clients - Lobbyists must report new clients prior to lobbying on their behalf,

·        Disclosure of lobbyist fees by client – Lobbyists must submit quarterly reports that show a range of lobbying fees paid by each of their clients.

Additional measures were also approved, such as a “cone of silence” that will be applied to the evaluation periods of all requests for proposal, bids, and other competitive solicitations.  These measures were described in a proposal submitted by Commissioner Thaell on February 27th and in a separate proposal revised by the non-partisan organizations Common Cause Florida and the League of Women Voters.

“There is more work to do.  These reforms must be drafted by county staff and formally adopted by the County Commission at a future Board meeting.  And at some point we still need to address the County’s policy on gifts from lobbyists.” said Minor.  “But in large part, we are very satisfied with the progress made today and there is certainly cause for celebration.”

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• Leon Dems Congratulate Cty Comm on Lobbying Reforms
  TALLAHASSEE, FL – During a scheduled workshop today, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve several measures that will greatly increase transparency of the lobbying process within local government....