Perry & how things work in Austin

[white cloud]

AUSTIN — Rick Perry says as governor, his job is to make life better for Texas families.

One family that’s done well is the Sullivans of Austin, Ray and Leslie, whose political ties to Perry over the past decade have paid big dividends.

Ray has shuttled between top jobs on Perry’s staff and as a lobbyist representing interests with business before the state. His wife has directed the governor’s political fundraising.

They haven’t broken the law or the rules governing the practice of politics and policy, and they’ve made between $4 million and $5.7 million since Perry’s been governor, according to campaign reports, lobby filings and state payroll records.

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http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/state/stories/082010dntexslater.6d1729cf.html

[sonias]

1. Perry has no ethics except for greed which seems to be acore R value

Democrat Bill White has raised the issue of ethics in challenging Perry’s re-election, pledging to slow the political revolving door and curb the influence of big-money.

Miner rejected White’s critique, saying Perry restricts the activities of lobbyists who take jobs in the administration.

"The governor has some of the toughest ethics policies anywhere in the country," Miner said. "You cannot lobby his office for one year and a legislative session" after begin hired.

Charges of cronyism and outside influence in both parties are nothing new in Austin. But Perry’s 10-year tenure, the longest of any governor, has attracted long-standing loyalists who have benefited from his years atop state government.

Oh no, you ca't lobby Perry's office for one year and a legislative session after being hired! What a joke!

The Texas Legislature is biannual - meets every other year. So obviously the 1 year the lobbyist stops lobbying, would be right after one session. By the following session he is good to go lobby once again.

Great read! Thanks, white cloud.

:applause::applause::applause:

[The Philosopher]

2. ...

I don't understand how waiting is supposed to do anything. The people they worked for are still in office, the only difference is that a year or two has elapsed.

[sonias]

3. It doesn't that's why it is a hollow excuse from Perry

The revolving door should be permanently shut period - or at least a meaningful (5 year) wait should be imposed. That would really undercut all the wheeling and dealing at Perry's door with his cronies/vendors/lobbyist/employees. Bill White says two years and I think it needs to be even longer. The longer the lobbyists/staff members have before they can switch the better. They are forced to get a real job that doesn't involve greasing their own palms with public money.

Burnt Orange Report 8/11/10
Bill White's Servant Leadership: Part Two - Ethics Reform Package

2. THE REVOLVING DOOR FOR LOBBYISTS TO BE SLAMMED SHUT.

* WHITE PLAN: Slam shut the revolving door between public service and big-time lobbying. Senior staff of the Governor’s Office and state agencies will be held to a two-year rule. When hired, they’ll be prohibited from working on issues related to former employment for two years. When departing, they will be prohibited from lobbying the Governor’s Office or their state agency for two years. The same employees and their spouses will be prohibited from soliciting political contributions.

* PERRY PRACTICE: Perry allows lobbyists to work as state staff on the very same issues they were paid to lobby on. For example, five of seven Perry chiefs of staff have been lobbyists, together making millions and working, with other staff, against the interests of Texans on projects like the Trans-Texas Corridor and the massive executive order to vaccinate middle school girls.