So glad to learn that since my colleagues rejected a lobbyist ordinance a year ago -- saying it was not needed -- (instead of it being fatally flawed like some are posturing about now) --that they are working on their own.
All of the work was done in the Elections Oversight Committee -- a matrix showing all other big cities and what they do. We reviewed all the other cities language and gave that report to the full city council which rejected all of it on a 7-2 vote.
So back to the drawing board.
It isn't just an ordinance that is needed -- it is a new attitude that sets the bar high for public officials and key department heads -- instead of WWJD (what would Jesus do) -- it should be -- WWLBTT? What Would Long Beach Taxpayers Think?
What would they think when an elected official takes a gift from someone doing business with the city?
What would they think when a department head travels with a paid lobbyist and that lobbyist then gives direction to city staff on what he wants done?
What would they think when an elected or city staff gets wined and dined by developers?
From the hundreds of responses I have received from taxpayers -- they are livid and assumed that Long Beach already had in place clear guidelines so that everyone inside City Hall knew what was appropriate and not.
So we don't need just a lobbyist ordinance -- we need a new attitude that respects the taxpayers of the City who pay our salaries.
P.S. We also need an ordinance that prohibits any elected official or department head or city manager or Planning or Harbor Commissioner from leaving service with the City of Long Beach and then representing anyone doing business with the City of Long Beach for a period of 3 years! No more revolving doors.
Notice: This is not a City of Long Beach site.
Dear Readers: Please note that this is not a City of Long Beach website and is not paid for nor maintained by taxpayer funds.
If you contact Gerrie Schipske through this site on any matter pertaining to the City of Long Beach, a copy of your contact will be forwarded to her official city email as an official public record.
Save Station 18
- Council Guts Fire Services in the Middle of the Night - 9/7/2011
- Come to Community Budget Meeting to Discuss Cuts to Fire, Police, Library and Recreation - 8/25/2011
- How Facts Get in the Way of Political Agendas - 8/12/2011
- They are at it again -- 27 firefigthers to be cut -- Station 18 to be downgraded - 8/8/2011
- You Did It -- Fire Station 18 Will Remain Open - 9/18/2009
Popular Posts
-
Anne Ferro talks with student ASB treasurer at Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Charter High School. I was invited today to participate in a ...
-
As you know, I have asked for a public meeting to discuss response times for our Fire Department in light of the serious cuts that have ...
-
Be a part of the Long Beach Public Library! The Long Beach Public Library is joining libraries across the state in participating in ...
-
Here are a variety of public documents you need to read so that you know what I know: Public pension reform legislation at state level Wh...
-
Click here and Check out the latest activities and documents you should know about...
-
If ever an issue cried out for campaign finance reform in Long Beach, the vote on Tuesday, February 14, on whether or not to ban operatio...
-
Come and listen to both sides on this issue. Plastic Bag Panel Discussion Flier
-
On Tuesday, December 3, the Long Beach City Council on a 7-1 vote (Schipske voting “no”) approved spending over $1 million to hire a consu...
-
The Sacramento Bee has just disclosed that a case against the City of Long Beach could possibly cost millions if the Supreme Court rul...
-
I want to thank my colleagues that voted to support my proposal to include a 1,000 foot buffer zone for parks in the medical marijuana colle...