Georgetown Council Out of Touch with Citizens

According to two different surveys, Texans DO NOT want taxpayer funds to be spent on lobbying the Texas legislature. 

“At the 2018 State Convention, Republicans supported ending taxpayer-funded lobbying by an overwhelming 94 percent,” said RPT Chairman James Dickey. “They voted for this because they know it is vital that we prohibit taxing entities from using tax dollars to lobby against the interests of the taxpayers. This deplorable activity must come to an end.”

A poll taken last December by WPA Intelligence and reported by The Texas Public Policy Foundation, showed that 91 percent of Texans opposed using tax dollars to pay for lobbying, including 80 percent who strongly opposed it.

Isn't the Council supposed to be representing the best interests of their constituents? 

This is Item N on the City Council Agenda for Tuesday evening at Council Chambers.

"ITEM SUMMARY:

In order for the City of Georgetown to have greater impact/influence in State and Regulatory affairs impacting the community; the need to engage highly competent governmental affairs services is important. The services provided assist the City in coordinating and communicating at the Legislative and Regulatory levels of State Government, regarding issues that will affect the City and impact Local Control. The next legislative session is poised to focus on many issues critical to local governments and municipal utility operations.

This service will seek to expand and increase the City's influence with State government and Local State level elected officials, by dedicating time and resources to ensure the City’s interests are protected. With assistance from Focused Advocacy, the City will be better able to shape and enhance our working relationships and work with State officials toward common goals.

The City Council is asked to consider approval of a Professional Services Contract with Focused Advocacy, LLC, of Austin, Texas for continued support associated with utility and governmental affairs.


FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for these services will be paid equally from Electric, Water, and General Funds."

Ins't it great that the Electric, Water and General Funds have excess money for this travesty against our liberty and freedom? 

Here are the first two pages of the proposed contracts.

click images to enlarge

The City is proposing to spend $100,000 per year on this contract plus $350 per month ($4200 annually) on meals, etc. plus travel costs.

It has been repeatedly documented that publically funded lobbyists work for the government entity that hires them, not for the citizens that pay their fees.

Perhaps the City could use those funds to directly benefit citizens instead of paying Austin lobbyists.

Who is behind this anti-taxpayer effort? Is it the city manager? The Mayor? or The Council? Inquiring minds would like to know so that this kind of anti-taxpayer activity can be stopped.