It seems that outrage over hiring a lobbyist has hit a high level here in Hammonton. Most of the complaints are about the cost: $60,000. This is alot considering that there is a rumor circulating that the cops are taking a salary cut of a few thousand each. Just thing with 25 cops, the lobbyist cost is about $2400 per cop.
But I think there is a bigger problem....should we have put the lobbyist contract out to bid? Or was there a public notice that we were hiring? Even if such a unilateral hiring is ok, would it have been better to have several lobbyists make a public presentation?
I certainly hope everything was done properly. I don't think we need Lobbyist-gate here in Hammonton.