Ah, yes ... the "stimulus" bill. It certainly has
helped the economy. At least, it has stimulated the hiring
of lobbyists to help everyone far and wide get their hands on the
loot. The latest porkers at the federal trough trying to
get more of their snout into our collective pockets are local
governments.
The city fathers of Tracy, Calif., have furloughed many city
workers for eight days this summer. They've cut staffing by
about 5 percent. And now they are trying another way to help
make ends meet in these tough economic times -- They've hired a
Washington lobbyist.
It's an idea that seems to be spreading. Senate lobbying
records show that dozens of cities and counties signed up with
lobbying firms in the first three months of this year. Their
goal is to get a greater share of the money flowing out of
Washington from a record federal budget and the $787 billion
economic stimulus package.
Some of the communities hiring lobbyists have done so before
and are simply shuffling their lineup or adding to it. But
others are getting into the lobbying game for the first time.
"This is a new venture for the city. This is a relatively
conservative community and has a high degree of self-reliance,
but we also understand there's also a great opportunity for all
communities, Tracy included," said Leon Churchill, city manager
for the suburban community about 60 miles east of San
Francisco. "The opportunity was too immense to bypass."
Who's going to end up paying for all of the wonderful projects
landed by the lobbyists? Don't ask!
Pingback| 5.4.09 @ 9:40AM
Going for the Loot | But As For Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt: