City to be represented by lobbyists

Lobbyists are needed at both state and federal levels to bring benefits back to Thousand Oaks.

That's what the City Council favored 4-0, with Mayor Andy Fox not present, at the July 24 meeting.

For more than two decades the city's had the same state lobbyists. Councilmember Dennis Gillette explained the current lobbyist was chosen back in the 1980s. The person initially hired had just left the state Assembly as a long-term member. Now his grandchildren are running the operation, Gillette said.

The city's been told it now needs someone who can also represent municipal interests in Washington D.C., Gillette said.

"The timing of this is appropriate, and I strongly support it," Gillette said.

The city needs a monitor and advocate for issues like telecommunications, eminent domain, transportation, ground water control, local speed limits, affordable housing and public safety.

The lobbyists will be expected to coordinate meetings among council members, city staff, and state and federal agencies, legislative staff and elected officials. The lobbyists will also represent the city's interests to state and federal elected officials, staff and agencies, according to a city report.

Lobbyists will also work to promote bills and amendments to bills that affect the city. They should also advise Thousand Oaks on ballot measures that will affect the city and provide recommendations. Hot trend and issue monitoring and written updates will also be expected.

"Thousands of bills are introduced each year with direct impacts on municipalities, their budgets and operations," the report said.

Oftentimes these bills are unfunded mandates that drain the city's budget.

- Nancy Needham