Michael R. Bloomberg
PER
Michael R. Bloomberg Bloomberg
The city's top Republican, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, underscored how serious local officials are about controlling the shadowy but increasingly prevalent dealings between lobbyists and the local officials they try to influence. He said that people perceive that lobbyists get special treatment because all too often the relationship between lobbyists and government officials includes special favors. He also said that their plan aims to eliminate those special favors, to bring sunlight to an industry that is growing rapidly in New York City. Mr. Bloomberg, a billionaire who pays for his own campaigns, has long said he would like to limit the influence of moneyed interests on government. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and its top Democrat, the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, underscored how serious local officials are about controlling the shadowy but increasingly prevalent dealings between lobbyists and the local officials they try to influence. Mr. Bloomberg said at City Hall that people perceived that lobbyists get special treatment because all too often the relationship between lobbyists and government officials includes special favors. Referring to the Washington lobbyist who recently pleaded guilty to using bribes to entice government officials, Mr. Bloomberg added that we were not waiting for the next Jack Abramoff to arrive. The proposals highlighted the new closeness between the mayor, re-elected in November, and Ms. Mr. Bloomberg has long said he would like to limit the influence of moneyed interests on government. The mayor and the speaker said they would seek strict new disclosure and reporting standards.