Editorial: It’s time to rein in lobbyists

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001 | 8:53 a.m.

The Nevada Legislature's leadership will consider ways to implement more restrictions on lobbyists so that they can't unduly influence the Legislature's staff. It is a move that is long overdue. One of the more subtle, but incredibly effective ways that lobbyists can boost their clients' chances is to manipulate the writing of legislation. The Legislature's staffers are supposed to be the wordsmiths, drafting bills and amendments at the request of lawmakers. But the reality is that the lobbyists sometimes end up doing that instead, telling the bill drafters what language to include in legislation.

Lobbyists are supposed to have the approval of a lawmaker before asking a legislative staffer to write a bill or an amendment, but these are informal guidelines. Sen. Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas, wants a more formal process to ensure that the staff is protected from undue influence, an idea supported by Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson. For that matter, a public record of any such request by a lobbyist should be kept. While all of this would be a step in the right direction, ultimately all legislators should learn how to say "no" to lobbyists in the first place, and reject their requests to "aid" the bill drafters. The lawmakers should trust their staffs to do this job, not rely on some hired gun who only is looking out for his client's best interest, which often doesn't intersect with what's in the best interest of the public.

The biggest problem in corralling the lobbyists is that in recent years their influence has grown considerably in the Legislature, so much so that they act as if they own the place. It certainly doesn't rank up there with improperly influencing the drafting of legislation, but how the lobbyists treat the Caucus Deli, a small snack area in the building, is a telling indication of their arrogance. Lorne Malkiewich, director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, said the lobbyists monopolize the snack area tables for their strategy meetings without buying any food. Consequently, Malkiewich's staff members, who can work 12-hour days, if not more, during the legislative session, have no place to sit when they want to eat. If they were guests in your house, you'd throw them out for being so rude.

In the closing hours of Nevada's 2001 Legislature, the lobbyists ran wild. They were on the floor of the Senate and Assembly, which is supposed to be restricted to legislators and staffs. The lobbyists acted as runners between the Senate and the Assembly, and they were instrumental in forging compromises between the two houses. At times it was the high-priced lobbyists, not the elected lawmakers, who were in charge. The lawmakers need to get this situation under control and reclaim the Legislative Building so that it is the "people's house," not the "lobbyists' den."