A bill that would have banned convicted felons from working to influence legislation in Baltimore County was withdrawn Monday after concerns that it appeared to target one particular lobbyist, Bruce C. Bereano.
"We want something more comprehensive to include other aspects of government," the bill's sponsor, Councilman Vince Gardina, said. "We want to extend it beyond lobbying to anyone dealing with government business or any general involvement with government."
Gardina said there was a perception that his bill targeted Bereano — who had lobbied against the councilman's efforts to broadly restrict the indoor tanning industry — but that was never his intent. The council voted against comprehensive tanning restrictions although in February it passed a less stringent measure, also sponsored by Gardina, requiring minors to have parental permission to use tanning facilities.
Bereano, a well-known lobbyist, was convicted more than 15 years ago of mail fraud in connection with illegal campaign contributions.
Gardina said he did not direct the lobbyist ban at Bereano but admitted the issue came to light because of him. He said it was inappropriate for anyone convicted of a crime to lobby the council. Gardina said he had not polled his colleagues on how they had planned to vote on his lobbyist bill, and vowed to bring a revised measure back for council consideration next month.
The councilman, who is retiring this year at the end of his fifth term, said he had patterned his bill on the policy of the state ethics commission, which can suspend the registration of a lobbyist who has violated state law or been convicted of a crime.
Bereano, who did not attend the council session, threatened to sue the county if the bill were made into law. He said it would prevent him from representing any clients to the council in the future and would infringe on his ability to earn a livelihood. He could not be reached for comment Monday evening.
Councilman Kevin Kamenetz offered to help work on a broader bill to deal with ethics in government in general. "We want a bill that addresses ethical concerns and fully implements the demand for higher ethical standards in government," he said.