1972, May, Pg. 36. HEARD ON THE HILL.

• Author: by James P. Thomas

1 Colo.Law. 36

Colorado Lawyer

1972.

1972, May, Pg. 36.

HEARD ON THE HILL

36Vol. 1, No. 7, Pg. 36HEARD ON THE HILLby James P. ThomasJim Thomas is Public Relations and Legislative Counsel of the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations.[Please see hardcopy for image]If you have followed state news at all this legislative session, you will have noted the attention given some lobbyists by the boys in the news room. You may also have wondered what the true state of lobbying is in Colorado.

It's just about what you would expect---if you know what to expect. In terms of big money payoffs or expensive presents, I believe Colorado politics is clean. This is also the opinion of several observers who are familiar with some eastern states that are far from "clean."

Colorado's legislators are lobbied by friendships, political pressures and, not least of all, the issues themselves. Any representative or senator worth his plurality learns quickly which lobbyists have value, i.e. which lobbyists can be depended upon to relate accurate information that the legislator can then use with confidence in formulating his own judgment. Truthfulness is essential, and only one mistake is allowed.

Over two hundred lobbyists are registered for this legislative session. Most are employees of a trade association, corporation, or similar group, and are single-issue oriented. They watch only for legislation that affects their group. The professional lobbyists who lobbies for anyone on just about any issue forms a small minority of the total number---yet he is the popular image of the modern lobbyist.

Rep. Ron Strahle (R-Ft. Collins and a lawyer) has introduced House Resolution 1017, which would require all lobbyists to file with the House on a quarterly basis a declaration of their employers, their income in amounts of...