There is a brief post in Prime Buzz today about the decision by the KC City Council to renew its lobbyist contract. This is an issue that has long bothered me, and I want to direct your attention to the second comment in that Prime Buzz post. I do not believe it is proper for one level of government to hire people to lobby another level of government. That is the job of elected officials and staff, not outside lobbyists. People who represent Saint Louis or Kansas City in Jefferson City or Washington, D.C., are supposed to look out for their interests at those levels (and by “interests,” I don’t mean bringing home the pork spending).
People who represent these areas at the county seat or in city hall are supposed to follow state or national issues, and bring items to the attention of other officials if changes need to be made. Spending additional taxpayer dollars to lobby other levels of government for more money is offensive and should be stopped. In a small way, it contributes to the neverending growth of government and its constant expansion into every realm of our lives.
