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01/05/2009: "CC Considers Hiring Lobbyist For $3,000 A Month - Lichter & Myhr Opposed"

//12/11/2008 // At the County Council work session last Monday, Councilman Kevin Ranker formally introduced Richard Little, a contract Lobbyist for the City of Bellingham, to the council members for a presentation of how he could aid the council in the “advancement of legislative priorities” in Olympia.

Some of the council members had already met with Mr. Little, and in response to a question from Ranker as to what their impressions had been, Chairman Howard Rosenfeld said “He gives the impression of being very confident, and would be an excellent choice;” but added that “the question for me…is this something we can afford; it’s three thousand dollars a month.”

Ranker suggested that they hire Little for three months, then review the contract and see if the County should continue the relationship.

Rosenfeld informed the council that “Little had said in two months he could prove his worth to us, and bring back to the County enough value to justify going further.” Peterson said the council should also look at others who may have an interest in working with the County before going forward.

Councilman Rich Peterson said he would like to see a “scope of work and a proposed fee structure -and a number of other things- submitted to Pete [Administrator Rose]” before moving any further. Ranker suggested there be “a nod” from the Council before they ask for such a proposal.

Councilman Alan Lichter said he was “not confident that at this point San Juan County needs a Lobbyist.” Councilman Bob Myhr said “I’m not there yet” in contracting with a lobbyist.

Ranker said “it might be an interesting experiment on how the County fairs down there [Olympia] without a voice down there... if you guys can do it on your own.” Ranker will be representing San Juan and Whatcom County as a State Senator in Olympia, and there had been optimism expressed by his supporters that he would now be in a formal position to advance the Council’s legislative priorities.

Ranker then made a motion to direct Administrator Rose to work with Little to develop a contract for Council review. ouncilman Gene Knapp seconded the motion.

Myhr said the Council has not interview anyone else, and he would vote against the motion.

The question was called, and it passed 4 to 2. Lichter and Myhr voted against the motion.