The Abramoff Effect
"Anything that preserves the integrity of the government is good for honest lobbyists.... There is a heightened concern because of abuses in Washington, but there's a clean system here."
-Edward Wallace, a former City Council member and current lobbyist at Greenberg Traurig, speaking to the AP in support of Mike and Chris's lobbying reform package.
Not to pick on Wallace -- but hey, wasn't there another guy at Greenberg Traurig with some connection to this whole thing?
Lobbying reform is wise and currently good politics. But let's also make sure that the Doctoroff-Ross/Related deal making that goes on way under the radar until the deal is done also gets the spotlight and any other "special" deals for olympics, west side, downtown and hunts point is scrutinized too.
Lobbyists? What about the role of Manton, Rivera and Lopez on Quinn?
I see that it did not take long for commentators to change their reference of the new Speaker from "Chris" to "Quinn". Why is that?
Hey 10:06, are you kidding me? Manton, Rivera and Lopez could care less about Council policy and the City budget, 2 areas where lobbyists not only have the biggest influence, but impact the greatest number of people.
10:06, are you afraid that you won't be able to feed at the trough anymore?
One of the funniest parts of the Council's reform package is the plan to require lobbyists to make an appointment to see Chris. Wow, they won't be able to just walk in anymore???
Take a look at the money Quinn has gotten from lobbyists ... and which she spread around to win her post. Look at which lobbyist had someone from their client base appointed to community boards. There's news there. Look at Capalino, McLaughlin, etc. Look at Intell/Extell development (aka the Carlyle Group).
Not Quinn but "Speaker Pledge" - catchy isn't it?
More importantly, look at the "Kasirer rule." No more hanging out in the Speakers office. Staff is saying this was who the Speaker was refering to in the Times article. Yikes !
10:37 am is the lobbyist for Extell (yes, Suri Kasirer) trying to generate a story that she is "close" to Chris Quinn since she is getting completely screwed for supporting another Speaker candidate. What a fuckin joke. Who else would say something like "the clients gave money to spread around for her to win her post." "she appointed community board members" Good try Suri.
These rules make it harder for new shops coming into the business while not touching the established shops, except that in the future they, their family and staff will not have to give personal contributions, while continuing to get their clients to give.
that was really bad attempt. look at whose client base gave money to quinn blah blah yeah and look at whose client base gave money to deblasio. that my dear is the problem