Local governments bound to keep using lobbyists

Webb: Why do cities and counties hire lobbyists? It's very simple. They're effective . . . they help get funding . . . they help win crucial legislative battles.

To forbid cities and counties from hiring lobbyists, as suggested by Sen. Scott Jenkins and the Utah Taxpayers Association, would put local governments at a serious disadvantage in the legislative wars, particularly when they go up against well-heeled opponents like real estate developers. Like it or not, lobbyists are an integral and important part of the legislative process, and not just in Utah, but in other states and at the federal level. As a profession, lobbying enjoys about the same status as prostitution in the eyes of many, but lobbyists are effective for their clients for a lot of reasons.

While lobbyists may only be highly visible during Utah's 45-day legislative sessions, the reality is that top lobbyists spend year-round with lawmakers. Lobbyists hold fund-raisers for legislators, provide campaign advice and even run their campaigns, take them to lunch frequently, travel with them, play golf with them, provide information and background on issues, open doors for them, train them in the subtleties of politics, help them increase their influence, and help them further their political ambitions. They become good friends and confidantes. They have access. Legislators listen.

My writing partner Frank, for example, is a hot-shot lobbyist. As a former legislator and House minority leader, he has great

relationships and knows how to get things done on the Hill. That's why people hire him. (I sometimes do a little direct lobbying, but not much.)

Lobbyists are also effective because during the 45 days of the session, they live on the Hill. They hang out almost 24/7, talking to lawmakers, strategizing, building coalitions, horse-trading, attending relevant hearings and committee meetings. Shepherding (or killing) a bill or list of bills through a session takes that kind of time and commitment.

Jenkins and the Taxpayers Association say local governments should rely on their own elected officials and staff, along with groups like the League of Cities and Towns and the Association of Counties to do their lobbying.