Dear Representatives,
Like many other Alaskans, I feel that lobbyists already have
too much influence with our elected representatives in
Juneau. Having said
that, I am very much opposed to giving them even MORE
opportunities to reach legislators than those legislators' hometown
constituents, by passing HB 106.
And when a bill such as HB 106 is introduced 'by committee'
rather than any one PERSON, I get even more suspicious. If
proposed legislation is either so dubious or so controversial to not be
introduced by a PERSON(S), someone to whom we can direct
questions, it should raise alerts and encourage questions as to its'
real purpose.
As I read it, HB 106 appears to be aimed at FURTHER
erosion of the ability of the AVERAGE ALASKAN VOTER, to reach his
elected representative. It appears to benefit only the professional and
well-paid lobbyists who have much more opportunity to 'reach' the ear of
our elected representatives, than does the average constituent....far
away, back home....out of sight and out of mind. Whether this is true
or not, that is the APPEARANCE this proposed bill is giving to
me, and many others.
Since I am already angry about MY inability to afford
to travel down there to
Juneau
and talk to you across your desk....as professional lobbyists are paid
to do, this legislation makes me even angrier! As well as asking you
NOT to support HB 106, I'm going to ask you if you are willing to
introduce legislation FORBIDDING all professional lobbyists from
entering the capitol during the session, from TALKING to any
legislator during the session, and from discussing or proposing ANY
legislation with elected officials during the session. THEY
could make contact with you when YOU are home in your
district.....but NOT in Juneau. That way THEY are forced
to travel to your district to see you, much as your constituents must
now travel to Juneau to see you.
Further, they should be barred from offering ANY kind
of 'payment' for your time or good will, such as trips, automobiles,
dinners, gifts, donations, memberships, club dues, magazine
subscriptions, drinks, artwork, autographs, first edition books, sports
trading cards, pez dispensers, Beanie Babies, chocolate Easter bunnies,
etc. That kind of legislation would put them on the same playing field
as your constituents back home.
Now....after that brief flight of fantasy in the above
paragraphs, I sincerely ask you NOT to support HB 106 because the
voters have a long memory.
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