Re “San Diego rejects proposed November ballot measures” (June 25): It was encouraging to see the City Council’s Rules Committee advance stronger lobbying transparency, including a prohibition on registered lobbyists contributing to candidates for city office.
One important detail, however, was missing from the coverage. As originally drafted, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera’s proposal had a massive loophole: a lobbyist could make up to 10 contacts with a city official within a 60-day period without even registering. You could lobby all nine council members, and no one would ever know. Councilmember Raul Campillo successfully amended the proposal to require registration after a single lobbying contact, ensuring the public can know everyone attempting to influence City Hall.
It is also another example of Campillo’s careful oversight. Good legislation is not just about broad ideas. Campillo deserves credit for not rubber-stamping a flawed proposal.
— Catharine J. Douglass, La Jolla