Editorials

"An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"

"Lobbyist and Hookers are Both Professionals"

By Vicki Pate, March 8, 2003

What makes an amateur into a professional? Standards are strict for athletes and hookers - accept money and you are a pro. So far Alaska is more lenient on lobbyists: A paid lobbyist can go to Juneau and lobby up to four hours per month before being declared a professional. As such, he must pay a $100 registration fee, and be subject to Lobbyist Regulations. A registered lobbyist can only contribute to HIS OWN district's legislators. Aye, there's the rub.

HB 106 and SB 89 hope to drastically change that in FAVOR of the lobbyists. Both bills greatly increase the number of hours spent in influencing legislators before registration is required - and thus before the contribution restrictions kick in. To put it in perspective: a prostitute could establish her own brothel and still be considered an amateur!

Juneau is far, far away. Lawmakers are inundated by special interests. They see very few of their individual constituents. If you are being PAID to go there, your bosses can afford to PAY the $100. We should not loosen the purse strings on lobbyists' contributions. Alaska voters need an advantage to combat the influence of special interests. Inform yourself of the issue at http://www.akvoters.org/ and click on "hot button issues". Then scream loudly and help stop this raid on the power of the ballot box.

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