Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor, today pointed out that Speaker of the House John Perzel’s latest effort at lobbying disclosure only underscores what’s really wrong in Harrisburg – that state government is for sale to the highest bidder.
“We don’t have a lobbying problem in Harrisburg, we have a Senator and Representative problem,” said Diamond. “If we would insist that our elected officials not be up for sale or rent to the highest bidder, the lobbying issue wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar.”
Pennsylvania is the only state without a lobbyist disclosure law on the books. The state Supreme Court threw out a previous lobbying law, ruling that only the Court has the authority to oversee lawyers, who sometimes double as lobbyists.
“There’s an simple answer for that as well,” added Diamond. “For those folks who want to do both, your lawyering stops as soon as your lobbying begins. When you practice law, follow the rules for lawyers. When you act as a lobbyist, the lobbying rules apply.”
Diamond supports a complete ban on gifts by lobbyists to elected officials, and is calling for Pennsylvania to adopt the highest standards of integrity in the nation. A recent publication by Common Cause PA details the policies in place in the other 49 states, and Diamond suggests cherry-picking the best elements in use elsewhere from this study to formulate a comprehensive policy for the Commonwealth.
“While it is important for elected officials to have experts provide them with information during hearings or for the purpose of making decisions about important legislation, there is no reason why they can’t get it without being constantly wined, dined and lavished with freebies.
“Simply documenting who’s kowtowing to whom isn’t good enough and doesn’t solve the real problem. What we need to do is clear the moneychangers from the temple,” Diamond concluded.
Website: http://www.russdiamond.org
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