Firms lobbying L.A. City Hall took in $15.25 million in client fees last year, up $2 million from 1999 and more than double their take five years ago. Lobbyists spent $10.3 million pushing their various causes at City Hall, also up $2 million from 1999.
What’s more, for the first time ever, four lobbying companies raked in over $1 million each in client compensation on city-related matters.
Topping the list was Rose & Kindel, which took in $1.29 million. Close behind was the law firm of Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, with $1.24 million; followed by Afriat Consulting Group at $1.17 million; and Planning Associates Inc. with $1.12 million.
“No question about it, we’ve seen a steady increase in lobbying fees and expenditures over the last several years,” said Barbara Freeman, director of public outreach for the city’s Ethics Commission, which released the figures last week. Freeman credited the recent economic boom (a hot economy means more development projects, which in turn means more lobbying) and improved expenditure reporting procedures for the increase.
One other factor: both last year and in 1999, one issue high-speed Internet access over cable lines drew in unprecedented lobbying dollars. Last year, cable, telecom and Internet service provider companies spent a combined $2.24 million, on top of $1.92 million in 1999. No other issue has ever drawn more than $1 million in a single year, according to Ethics Commission officials.
Several local lobbying firms cashed in on the cable Internet access debate, including top-ranked Rose & Kindel, Cerrell Associates Inc. and the law firm of Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP.
Other big-ticket issues last year included: the Playa Vista development project, which generated $789,000 in lobbying fees; the placement of cell phone antennae, which generated $635,000; and $421,000 in lobbying for a reduction in the commercial portion of the next phase of the Porter Ranch development project in the northwest San Fernando Valley.
The Greek Theatre contract, which generated the most headlines throughout the year as the City Council reconsidered an earlier decision to grant the Nederlander family a five-year extension, generated a mere $322,000.
Riordan Endorses Rocky
Finally, after more than a year of hesitation, Mayor Richard Riordan on March 19 endorsed his deputy mayor for economic development, Rocky Delgadillo, in his bid to become the next city attorney. Delgadillo is running against termed-out City Councilman Mike Feuer and Deputy District Attorneys Lea Purwin D’Agostino and Frank Tavelman.
Riordan’s endorsement was initially anticipated at a March 13 fundraiser at which the Mayor made an appearance as a “special guest.” But Riordan saved his endorsement for a special event at the Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood, which Delgadillo helped to bring to that site. Comedian and actor Tom Arnold was on hand at the March 19 morning event, which drew about 70 supporters.
Unfortunately for Delgadillo, the event was overshadowed by the rolling blackouts that began later that afternoon.
Riordan could have endorsed Delgadillo months ago, just as he did with close friend and advisor Steve Soboroff’s mayoral bid. But Riordan held back, much to the consternation of the Delgadillo camp. Political observers say he was reluctant to antagonize Feuer, who chairs the council’s budget committee and thus has had considerable influence on Riordan’s fiscal agenda.
Crowded Fifth District Race
There are debates and then there’s the face-off between the 11 candidates for the Fifth Council District race. Last week, a local hillside homeowners group hosted a “debate” between the candidates. Just getting them on one dais proved troublesome. Some of the candidates couldn’t even get out of their chairs to deliver their remarks.
“In a forum like this, there simply isn’t enough time to let the differences between the candidates come through,” said candidate Robyn Ritter Simon.
After the televised portion, though, the gloves came off. Candidate and self-proclaimed graffiti fighter Joe Connolly took on frontrunner and former state Sen. Tom Hayden, alleging Hayden was not legally residing in the district. Hayden, who has been temporarily living on the Westwood premises of his campaign adviser Sandy Brown, countered that a city investigation found that he had not broken any laws.
Hayden, of course, is the presumed frontrunner; while he may not get enough votes to win outright with 10 other candidates in the field, he’s regarded as a lock to get into the runoff. Once in the runoff, most observers believe Hayden will win handily.
Mayoral Debate Rescheduled
The mayoral debate initially set for March 14 at UCLA’s Royce Hall but canceled at the last moment as UCLA students held a sit-in to protest the UC Board of Regents’ affirmative action stance has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 4. That’s just six days before the primary election. Again, it’s slated to be held at Royce Hall.
Staff reporter Howard Fine can be contacted by phone at (323) 549-5225, ext. 227, or by e-mail at [email protected].
