Registry better late than never

Public comments sought before decision on lobbyist registry (thespec.com, April 9)

Back in 2004, a client came to me asking that I set up meetings with city staff in order to put forth an idea for property the client owned near Flamboro Downs.

After consulting with staff of the federal and provincial lobbyists registrars, they suggested I approach the city clerk's office and suggest they start a voluntary lobbyists registry. The clerk's office staff made it happen and the registry became active in 2004.

I was the first lobbyist on the list, and 10 years later, I'm still listed at the top. Over the years, the clerk's department has refined and improved the present voluntary lobbyist registry, and I hope they will continue to do so once this registry becomes mandatory.

Any violations could be forwarded to the integrity commissioner for adjudication. The history of the registry has been long and tortured once the accountability and transparency subcommittee took ownership of the policy. I tried numerous times to help this committee move things along, but I was ignored. I was never invited to speak, or to suggest ways to capture lobbyists to keep the system open and transparent. I'm happy to hear the public will be consulted, and a decision made by July of this year. Better late than never.

Mark-Alan Whittle, Hamilton