DISQUS

Lobbyist · 1 year ago

C'mon Couldn't your time be more well spent going after REAL issues instead of nit-picking some error in reporting? Guess that would be too much to ask...We have a fiscal crisis, an health care crisis, an education crisis, a transportation crisis, and a looming election that will likely be botched AGAIN.

But the $160 Sen. Veiga reports and Bill Artist forgets is more important than all of that.

This is why bloggers have to get credentials. Its a joke.

Truthteller · 1 year ago

Seems like the lobbyists don't want their activities to be reported.  Gee, now why would you think that would be?  <-------- (irony and sarcasm)

Lobbyist · 1 year ago

Right We lobbyists have no problem with reporting. It actually helps to show us who is lobbying who, and what bills everyone is working on. But when someone takes a story out on a simple error in reporting? Thats the reason why the press corps doesn't think they are legitimate journalists. I am starting to agree with them.

Wendy Norris · 1 year ago

it's a transparency issue Yes, you're correct that there are many pressing issues before the state legislature but that doesn't excuse not following the rules.

And, I'd also agree with you that the story would be simple nitpicking if the disclosure were a few days overdue. But that's not the case. We're now looking at three month lag from the time Mr. Artist gifted the tickets to Sen. Veiga to today.

Elected officials are fined and face public censure for not adhering to timely disclosures of their contributions, gifts and honoraria. While Amendment 41 continues to exist in some weird legal purgatory, it's more important than ever to know what relationships exist between lawmakers and lobbyists. While Sen. Veiga upheld her part of that responsibility, Mr. Artist did not. 

Are you suggesting that lobbyists be held to a different standard because you're busy?

Erin Rosa · 1 year ago

Real Issues Another point I'd like to add is that I do see government transparency as a real issue. Last session, Colorado Confidential lead the way in bringing transparency to lobbying at the state legislature through reporting of disclosures and expenditures--an issue that mainstream media outlets have almost completely failed to cover. This is actually where on-line news sites are needed the most.

Veiga constituent · 1 year ago

Useful story Is it nitpicking? Perhaps. But that doesn't mean this independent news source doesn't have the right to write about it.

Lobbyist, who are you to tell a news source what they should or should not write about. If they wish to spend their time, money, resources, etc. covering this, that's their decision.

More importantly, I found this story interesting because I am a constituent of Sen. Veiga. I generally like my state senator and the work she's done, but I am a little uneasy about her taking gifts from lobbyists for Wal-Mart and McDonald's. Does this mean I think she's in their pocket? No. But I find it interesting and will keep it in mind in the future should any legislation pertaining to the Rockies, Wal-Mart, or McDonald's arise.

political geek · 1 year ago

Good old Qwest... I did some digging on disclosure reports on the secretary of states webapge.  John McCormick, Qwest lobbyist, did claim that he gave tickets to AG Suthers & Sen. Veiga for sporting events.  They must of been a kids little league game because he stated that the value of the tickets was $0.01.  He needs to be investigated right along with Artist.  I can understand Artist making a mistake and forgetting to claim the tickets, that happens.  McCormick though outright lied about the value of the tickets to the World Series!

political geek · 1 year ago

Link to McCormick's statement http://www.sos.state...

Erin Rosa · 1 year ago

Thanks This is also interesting.

Lobbyist · 1 year ago

My point was... My entire point was that it was just an error in reporting. You brought it to light, and Bill will likely amend his report. Now democracy is saved!

Show me a lawmaker who will sell their soul for a couple of Rockies tickets or a $50 steak at Capitol Grille, and I will show you someone who will be in office for one term. Nitpicky witch hunts like this are a solution in search of a problem.

Sorry for not responding earlier. But I was busy lobbying a bill for the non-profit association I represent. Not all lobbyists lobby for Wal-Mart and McDonald's, and I'm sick of being lumped in with all of the rest.

Lobbyist · 1 year ago

And by the way... I am a constituent of Veiga's and I'm very proud of her leadership.

Wendy Norris · 1 year ago

on this point we can agree... The life of a social issue lobbyist is far different than those representing corporate concerns.

And as in any profession, there are good guys and not-so-good guys. Those who play by the rules and those that don't. The lobbying industry is no different.

If you're interested in helping us explore that view, please contact me.

Truthteller · 1 year ago

You're not automagically pure just because you lobby for non-profits, nor automagically corrupt if you lobby for a corporate concern.  No doubt there are many who would prefer such a simplistic, bumper-sticker analysis, but that wouldn't comport with reality.

Wendy Norris · 1 year ago

the world must be coming to an end You and I might just agree on something.

The process is indeed different for a lobbyist depending upon the tax status of his/her client. But neither does that status convey the warm halo of purity nor stench of corruption by virtue of the IRS alphabet soup.