A lobbyist is an advocate for interests that range from local cities to corporations to non-profits. From what I know about Jim Dantona, he knows more about drafting legislation and working across the aisle than some of the people running. He knows how to get things done and is good with people. That's why I voted for him for Supervisor, and why I would have voted for him for Senate. It seems to me that's more productive than some lawyer & part time teacher or questionable environmental company executive.

One man's lobbyist is another's legislative advocate...i guess....

David Walrath is a lobbyist for CALSTRS, the $180 billion california state teachers retirement system, a state agency....so i guess Walrath is paid by one state agency to lobby the state government on behalf of teachers.....

I define that is the taxpayers getting shafted from all directions.....

see:

http://www.sacbee.com/103/v-print/story/415574.html

Is he a lobbyist?

Flamo, Flap, Bubba Kidd,

Is he a lobbyist?

Lobbyists have to register with the Secretary of State and file regularly during the two year legislative cycle. Who they work for, how much they get paid, what legislation or issues they lobbied, which lawmakers they attempted to influence and who they may also pay is all a matter of public record. Simple definition: If you are paid to influence lawmakers, you are a lobbyist. Many times, "advocates" are not paid but are lobbying out of dedication to a particular issue. They are not required to register as a lobbyist. Hope that helps.

FYI: Dantona and Walrath are both registered lobbyists. For those interested, you can look up lobbyists' fillings at the link below.

http://cal-access.ss.ca.gov/Lobbying/

Yep...the website that you linked sure walks, talks and quacks like a duck...err...lobbyist firm

I think whether you're talking about a Lobbyist or a Lawyer or anything else, it's about the integrity of the person. I met Jim Dantona in the supervisor's race and found him to be honest and staright forward. He wasn't afraid to go after Waste Mgt. or Boeing re: contamination of our city. If Lobbyist have the guts to tackle tough issues I don't care who they represent so long as the public knows who.

I agree with you that not every lobbyist is bad. I was just asking for for a consensus definition of what makes someone a lobbyist.

I don't agree that only registered lobbyists are lobbyists.

This is about Jim Dantona, because I would like him to represent my company. Unfortunately my company won't pay Democrats for anything. Each Lobbyist should be judge on their own meritts and not on some ridiculous claims. Jim is as good person who I believe is honest. Other Lobbyist, I don't know since I've never met any others. If Jim is a typical Lobbyist than I have no problem with them.

Again, this isn't about integrity or ethics, just a simple definition for an unrelated story.

I have talked to Jim many times and I have found him to be passionate, hard working, and a funny guy. I would not want to run against him.

I think it was Mike Osborn who posted long ago, that everyone who asks anything of government or elected officials is a lobbyist...or something to that effect. He's absolutely right. In the most basic manner, every time we vote or respond to a poll we are lobbying. We lobby to a greater degree when we take the time to attend a city council meeting and voice our concerns. Some of us do more than that and others make it a career or vocation.

Is there any real difference between the local volunteers who lobbied the state & federal govt for 20 years, to clean up the SSFL; or guys like Dantona, who do such things as a professional?

Remember, the way to lessen the effect of career lobbyists is to get more voters to speak up and lobby on what's important to them.

When they get paid, run a company, and call the people they support clients there is a difference.

I understand why people employ lobbyists with how difficult government is to navigate at times.