Printable VersionCity Council is set to select one of three potential legislative lobbyist groups Tuesday after the council’s previous group decided not to apply.
The top three groups are Husk Partners, Policy Impact Communications and Landry, Creedon and Associates. They will give presentations to the council and listen to questions during a work session Tuesday before the City Council’s regular meeting. The council will then make a selection during the regular meeting.
City Finance Director Gayle Whittle said there is currently $46,667 budgeted for lobbyist services through fiscal year 2009-10. The city had a $70,000 budget for lobbying services for the fiscal year 2008-09. The city would apply the rest of the contract to fiscal year 2010-11.
Husk Partners and Policy Impact Communications each propose a $56,000 contract, plus expenses for 12 months. Landry, Creedon and Associates proposes a contract of $50,000 for 12 months.
Former Williams & Associates lobbyist Brian Tassinari currently works as a vice president for Policy Impact Communications. Tassinari worked for Williams & Associates for nine years.
“He was our prime contact,” Cassens said. “But now he’s broken away working for Policy Impact.”
Cassens said Tassinari’s departure might have contributed to Williams & Associates not submitting a bid.
A review committee comprised of Cassens, Mayor Mark Nexsen, former City Manager Richard Kaffenberger and council members narrowed six prospective candidates to three earlier this year. Cassens said the review committee used a scoring system evaluating the different groups’ ability to represent the city on city related projects.
“Experience in that arena was certainly important,” he said. “ The three we’re going to be making our decision off of are all three very good firms. I’m looking forward to seeing their presentations.”
You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com.
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