Bill Coley’s Law Firm advertises Lobbying Services based on “inside knowledge”

Elected officials should put the benefit of their constituents first, and avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest.  I was concerned when Bill Coley, the Ohio Representative for the 55^th District, joined the law firm of Roetzel & Andress on February 4, 2008.  That law firm provides legal and lobbying services to a variety of clients.  Their website now proclaims “…our Government Relations group has immediate access to government officials.”  The 55^th District deserves a representative that will fight for our interests, not special interests and lobbyists. 

According to the Ohio Legislative Inspector General, it is technically legal for a member of the Ohio legislature to be employed by the same firm that employs lobbyists.  It is not a legal conflict of interest if a legislator is kept at “arms length” from lobbying activities and other procedures are followed.  Although Bill Coley has the legal right to work for a firm that employs lobbyists, it is not the right thing to do.

The Roetzel & Andress web page also reports, “We have inside knowledge of government processes and political contacts at every level,” and “Several of our attorneys are registered lobbyists and regularly represent clients before the Federal and State Legislatures and other federal, state, and local government entities.”  It may be good business for a law firm to tout their “inside knowledge”; however, I believe that the 55^th District deserves a representative that does not work for a law firm that lobbies for special interests. 

State legislators should represent their communities.  A public office should not be used to bolster a corporation by providing “inside knowledge” of government processes.  The 55^th District deserves a representative that serves the citizens of the community.  Our representative should not get a paycheck from the same company that employs lobbyists. 

It is time for a change; it is time for a citizen legislator to represent Butler County.  I am running to represent the people of the 55^th District.  I respectfully request your vote.  I am not a lawyer that works for a company that lobbies on behalf of special interests.  I will work to the best of my ability to address the issues and solve the problems facing families, businesses, and organizations in the community.