Pittsburgh council approves contract, lobbying reforms

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09119/966379-100.stm

Pittsburgh council approves contract, lobbying reforms
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh City Council continued passing a caravan of reform bills today, unanimously approving new rules on lobbying and contracting.

One proposed ordinance compels all those lobbying to influence city government to register with the city controller's office. It is modeled on state lobbyist disclosure rules.

Another demands that firms seeking city contracts disclose any fees they are paying to brokers, consultants and lobbyists, if they could create a perceived conflict of interest.

The proposed ordinances, authored by Councilman William Peduto, are designed to reveal any influence on city processes by consultants, who the councilman calls "merchants of democracy."

A final vote could occur Tuesday, after which the legislation would go to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who has expressed support.