A transparency bill for local government – requiring lobbyists who are paid to influence city and county governments tell the public who they are and whose interests they push – died in a state Senate Committee Monday.
The bill, proposed by state Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, would have required lobbyists who deal with local government officials and agencies file a disclosure form with county, city or town clerks and pay a $25 fee to cover the clerks’ costs.
“We think we’re pretty important in Richmond, but local governments make big decisions too,” McPike said, adding that he was simply proposing lobbyists who work with local government follow the same rules as those who are paid to influence state officials and legislators.
But state Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, said she felt McPike was setting up a cumbersome process, while state Sen. Lionel Spruill, D-Chesapeake, said the measure would interfere with citizens and nonprofit agencies when they deal with local governments.
After an argument over whether the forward the idea to the state Ethics Council for its view, the Local Government Committee voted 8-7 to kill the idea outright.
Shad Plank is the Daily Press blog that tracks Virginia politics. It takes its name from the traditional Shad Planking political get-together, though hopefully it is tastier than the roasted fish featured at that Sussex County event. To contact Dave Ress with tips or questions, call 757-247-4535 or email dress@dailypress.com.
