The Alachua County Commission approved an ordinance this week requiring the registration of lobbyists who intend to come before them regarding official matters.
County staff developed an ordinance similar to the city of Gainesville’s registration requirements for lobbyists at the board’s earlier direction, according to Tuesday’s agenda.
According to the ordinance, which passed 4-1 with Commissioner Susan Baird in dissent on Tuesday, it is necessary to require the regular and public disclosure of the identity and activities of people engaging in efforts to influence county commissioners on official matters in order to “preserve and maintain the integrity of the governmental decision-making process.”
Lobbyists will be required to register with the Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court prior to doing any lobbying and must also register annually from that point on.
Baird said Tuesday she didn’t think the county should add more regulation if it doesn’t really need it and Commissioner Lee Pinkoson asked if someone could explain what the problem is because he hasn’t seen one in the years he’s been on the commission.
Commissioner Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson said it’s important to know if someone is coming before the commission because they’re being paid to do so or if they’re coming to speak on their own behalf about their personal concerns.