By hammering three heavyweight consultants, the California Fair Political Practices Commission this week helped promote fair play and transparency in their otherwise opaque business. The FPPC proposes to fine three Democratic consultants and their firm, California Strategies, $40,500 for failing to register as lobbyists, even though they sought to influence an agency and lawmakers on behalf of their clients. By taking the action, the commission put on notice all consultants who act like lobbyists but don’t take the step required of lobbyists to register with the secretary of state, and make quarterly filings disclosing their clients, and the legislation, issues and agencies they seek to influence.
Editorial: Those who skirt lobbying laws need to pay the price - Editorials - The Sacramento Bee
