Wow.
City budgets are that tight? A lobbyist is a good investment? There is something very wrong here.
…The hiring of a lobbyist, (click title to entry - thank you) which would be a first for Iowa City, would cost $25,000 to $30,000, Markus said. With Johnson County traditionally electing a Democratic delegation for Des Moines, the city manager says a lobbyist would help build bridges with Republican leadership, as well.
Markus has said a lobbyist would be able to assist with Iowa City's push for an Amtrak line to Chicago, securing grant money and encouraging legislation against apartments changing to cooperative status to receive tax breaks.
Council member Connie Champion called it a "smart move," and Regenia Bailey said it would give the city "a single point of entry" at the Statehouse.
"It's certainly going to give us better access to what's going on," council member Mike Wright said.
Coralville, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are among the many cities that already have contracts with lobbyists….
