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13.E. COMMISSIONER GARY C. WHEELER <br />13.E.1. DISCUSS DECISION ONREOUEST TO HAVE A PROCESS FOR <br />REGISTERING ASA LOBBYIST <br />Commissioner Wheeler explained that at the BCC meeting of December 4, 2007, <br />the Board had discussed enacting procedures to allow ex parte communications, and to have a <br />registration policy whereby individuals could declare whom they represented. He talked about <br />the merits of having transparency in government, and directed the Board to review the Lobbyist <br />Registration Form (copy on file) which is used by St. Lucie County. Commissioner Wheeler <br />emphasized that he was not personally invested in the outcome of this issue; he was simply <br />following directions by bringing this item back for consideration. <br />Vice Chairman Davis noted that the definition of a lobbyist is simply someone <br />who wants to discuss an issue. He was not averse to giving people the option of registering as a <br />lobbyist, but he wanted citizens to be able to discuss issues with the Commissioners without <br />"jumping through any hoops". <br />Commissioner Wheeler pointed out that the form would be utilized only by those <br />individuals who are being paid to lobby; it would not apply to most of the people who talk with <br />the Commissioners. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan noted that according to the St. Lucie County Code, <br />persons appearing before the Board, in their individual capacity "without compensation or <br />reimbursement", would still be free to speak to the Commissioners. He voiced support to move <br />ahead on a policy regarding the ex parte communications. <br />23 <br />March 11, 2008 <br />