Comments on: Leon County State Lobbyist Seeks Increase in Fees, Cites City’s High Spending

By: JfromJupiter

JfromJupiter — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:41:07 +0000

In reply to News_Maven. Exactly, the "Pittman Factor."

By: News_Maven

News_Maven — Mon, 23 May 2016 22:20:29 +0000

True.
If I divide the city’s fee by the Pittman Factor and then subtract Crony Capitalism, it comes out with the same amount the county currently pays.
Imagine that.

By: HOPE & CHANGE

HOPE & CHANGE — Mon, 23 May 2016 14:26:38 +0000

The City of Tallahassee contract should not be used as a comparison because it is not an arm lengths transaction.

By: Dennis Barton

Dennis Barton — Mon, 23 May 2016 11:33:03 +0000

Determining the value of governmental representation is relatively simple. What is it the county is expecting of the representation that cannot be achieved through the representation of the Association of County Commissioners? Is the county looking for special funding or approval of a certain project unique to the county? Is this special funding not supported by the local legislative delegation? Unless there is a specific or unusual need that can only be fulfilled by the legislature should the county even consider hiring outside representation. To hire legislative counsel because others do it and pay them what others pay them is the definition of herd mentality.

By: From the cheap seats

From the cheap seats — Mon, 23 May 2016 11:14:04 +0000

In reply to Arthur Kirby.

Mr. Kirby – I agree with your statement completely. What better case to present to an client/employer for an increase/raise than to refer to past successes and relationships built that have added value to the services provided in excess of the fees/wages paid. Bringing the City’s expenses in for comparison makes sense as those involved in the decision making should also, to the extent possible, measure that the return on investment as well.

To frame the discussion, and the response as “see, someone else thinks the City spends too much, and now they’re setting the County up too…” is an oversimplification.

By: Arthur Kirby

Arthur Kirby — Mon, 23 May 2016 01:05:37 +0000

The question is not the expenditure, but the net return the lobbying generates, or saves the municipality.

Also keep in mind, effectiveness can & should only be evaluated over many cycles. Take for example, the abruptly ended session of two years ago. It stands to reason that net effectiveness would be low. It also takes many cycles to establish & cultivate relationships with leadership, and navigate political waters.

To Jeff Sharkey and Vince Long, please show where Capitol Alliance Group’s net product has improved, or could reasonably improve by 40% if the tax payers paid Capitol Alliance Group an increased professional fee?