NEW: Providence Demands Lobbyist Accountability
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Providence City Council approved the Lobbyist Registration Ordinance that was recently revived by the Council. Finance Chairman John J. Igliozzi, Council President Pro Tempore Terrence M. Hassett, and Majority Leader Seth Yurdin sponsored the ordinance, and Igliozzi regarded its approval by the committee as a "collaborative effort" that ultimately represents a "win for the public." Passage of the ordinance, which was first introduced on March 15, 2007, came at last week's March 17 Council session.
Public's Right to Know
According to Igliozzi, the passage of this ordinance has set a new precedent for the City of Providence. “Never before has Providence city government had these types of checks and balances to ensure accountability,” he said. “I believe the public has a right to know, and the city has a duty to provide, information regarding the people and groups who seek to influence municipal decisions regarding contracts, legislation, policies, or other city business.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMichael A. Solomon also expressed his opinion that the lobbyist registration represents a positive initiative for the city, stating “the Council is committed to making Providence government more accessible to the people who live and work here. Lobbyist registration will help shed light on a wide array of activities and issues.”
Aiding Community Groups
The delay in having four years elapse from initial introduction of the ordinance until its approval centered primarily around people working for non-profit or community groups, often on an unpaid basis. "We didn't want to undermine their ability to address their government," explained Yvonne Graf, manager of policy & research for the City Council.
The substantial changes that have been made since first introducing the ordinance in 2007 according to Graf include:
- Further clarification on who is defined as a lobbyist; one highlight is that “volunteers” or those who are seeking to influence a municipal decision without compensation on behalf of a tax exempt or unincorporated association
- Exemption of lawyers who are representing clients before a board/committee/court, or other legally constituted municipal body
- A section that requires lobbyists to certify/sign affidavit as to accuracy of the reports they file
- Establishng a $150 annual registration fee for lobbyists; $25 for tax-exempts and associations with budgets under $250,000
- Creation of more detailed reporting requirements. Unlike the state, lobbyists will not only have to report on financial expenditures involving city officials, but also their specific activities, including city officials contacted, and the issues concerned
- Establishing administrative penalties for violation of the ordinance ($250 day/maximum; $25,000 per year)
The changes by the Council were made in collaboration with the Law Department and Taveras administration.
One of First in Country
The Council’s approval of this ordinance establishes Providence as one of the first mid-sized cities to implement this type of program, furthering its precedent-setting nature.
Councilman Hassett regards the ordinance as “an important step in strengthening public confidence in municipal government” because it will provide the general public with access to previously unreported information about lobbyist’s activities.
The ordinance is expected to take effect in 60 days.