Times Editorial : Investment or expense?
Posted on Saturday, February 9, 2008
Four years ago this month the Fayetteville
City Council approved a contract with Van
Scoyoc Associates, a lobbying firm in Washington, D. C., at the request of Mayor Dan Coody. Having returned from a meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors there, Coody noted at the time that one of his most important visits was with the lobbying firm. Coody returned thinking the group could help Fayetteville secure funds to improve the look of roads at city entry points and the roads to the city’s commercial area that is home to Target, Olive Garden, Wal-Mart and other retailers. “ They do things that we simply cannot do ourselves, ” Coody said back then. The results ? As 2004 came to a close, the firm had only been able to secure $ 500, 000 of the $ 3. 5 million requested from the Environmental Protection Agency State and Tribal Assistance Grant program to begin the process of establishing a regional sewer system. In August 2005, the federal highway bill earmarked $ 12. 2 million for a pair of Fayetteville projects — redesigning the Fulbright Expressway, as well as U. S. 71; and widening Razorback Road. As Coody said at the time, “ something is better than nothing. ” Since fiscal 2005 Fayetteville has reportedly received nine grants from five federal agencies, and more than $ 14 million worth of grants were appropriated in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for sewer rehabilitation, work on Cato Springs Road, the Arkansas Research and Technology Park and the Fayetteville Economic Expressway Corridor.
Although no projects were appropriated in 2007, an omnibus spending bill signed by President Bush last December included $ 2 million for Fayetteville projects in 2008. That means money for a police radio system, the Arkansas Research and Technology Park, wastewater system improvements and developing an affordable housing strategy.
Earlier this month, Coody stated that over the years city government has given $ 318, 078 to Van Scoyoc Associates and in return received more than $ 16 million in federal funding for economic development, transportation, housing and safety projects. With a 5-2 vote Tuesday night the City Council signed off on as $ 84, 000 agreement with the lobbying firm for another year of service.
Both Ward 2 council members voted against it.
Kyle Cook — who in December 2004 expressed an interest in keeping up ties with the firm, though he mentioned a hope that aldermen would have a say in which funds would be pursued — questioned the amount of money Van Scoyoc Associates is actually delivering. “ I think they’re doing something; I’m not saying they’re doing nothing. I question whether they actually secured $ 16 million. ” Alderman Nancy Allen said she felt much the same way.
Is the lobbying firm really bringing home the bacon ? In other words, is there any proof that Fayetteville wouldn’t have received the $ 16 million worth of money Coody is pointing to without the firm’s assistance and planning ? Or were they integral to the city’s success on this front ? Such measurements are almost always impossible to gauge, but it seems entirely plausible that having a voice speaking on Fayetteville’s behalf directly in Washington would be a positive influence. And that’s likely why the Fayetteville City Council approved the measure this year.
Critics might wonder where in the world U. S. John Boozman fits into all this. After all, isn’t he supposed to be the area’s advocate in Washington (not to mention U. S. Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor )? They all are, but it’s difficult to expect them to deal with Fayetteville’s issues as specifically because their political districts are so large.
Here’s the thing Coody is right to harp on: Everyone knows how the Washington game is played. Without lobbyists defending Fayetteville’s interests, there’s a great chance the city won’t bring home as much funding as it should. That $ 84, 000 doesn’t guarantee taxpayers anything. We’re just playing the odds on the notion that it’s good to have an ongoing presence in Washington.
But the process is happening just as it should: The contract should be reviewed regularly. If and when a majority on the City Council doesn’t see the fruits of Fayetteville’s investment, it will be simple to just pull the plug.
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