Those revolving doors at the State House are spinning so rapidly they're creating winds that could be hazardous to the public's health. In one revolution, government officials are walking out the door and then returning as lobbyists.
It's not a healthy trend. Speaker Pro Tem Gary Alexander retired so he could earn lucrative fees bending the ears of former colleagues. John Stierhoff, top aide to the Senate president, jumped to a lobbying firm with close ties to top Annapolis leaders. Former Speaker R. Clayton Mitchell joined the throng of influence-peddlers recently. So did Sen. American Joe Miedusiewski. And Sen. Jim Simpson. And Lt. Gov. Melvin A. Steinberg, who is becoming an "of counsel" member of a law firm known for its lobbying.
These developments highlight the growing power of lobbyists. They also should set off alarm bells: Lobbyists are unaccountable, unelected, outside forces who have leveraged their campaign contributions and friendships with legislators to get their way on issues. It's a cold-blooded, financial game for them. The goal is to do the client's bidding. Success is determined by figuring out how to manipulate the process in the client's favor. And the reward? Oh, so sweet. Clients pay handsomely for good lobbyists -- year after year.
This new crop of revolving-door lobbyists, who used to work as powerful forces within government, can gain easy access to legislators. They're old friends, after all. But what impression does that leave with the public?
House Speaker Casper Taylor and Senate President Mike Miller are under the gun. If the public's perception of lawmakers is to change, a wall must be erected that clearly separates lobbyists from legislative decisions. Gifts should be banned. No more free meals. All contact between lobbyists and legislators on issues -- before the General Assembly should be recorded in a log open to the public.
As for the revolving door, there's no way to stop it completely, but officials should slow it down. Members of the executive or legislative branches should not lobby their former friends right away -- a hiatus of a year or two is appropriate.
Lobbying serves a legitimate and valuable function in helping to set government policies. Clients have a right to get their points of view expressed while decisions are being discussed. But the lobbying craze has gotten out of hand. It threatens the integrity of the legislative process. That's why Assembly leaders must crack down on lobbyists this coming session -- or risk the wrath of an already enraged public.