Alabama GOP Restricts Constituent Access to Lawmakers
- Posted on February 2, 2011 at 6:40pm by
Meredith Jessup
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Citing security concerns in the wake of the shootings in Tucson, Ariz., new Republicans leaders in the Alabama state legislature are reportedly planning to restrict the public‘s access to legislators’ offices.
According to the Montgomery Advertiser, House Speaker Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh announced Monday that the public would no longer be able to drop into legislators’ offices on days when the legislature is in session.
Hubbard and Marsh said restricting access to legislators’ offices is being done because more security is needed at the Legislature after the Jan. 8 rampage in Tucson that wounded 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and killed six others, including a federal judge.
“After Tucson and that situation, we have a legitimate reason to look at the safety of our members,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard said changes also stem from a large group blocking the door to a legislator’s office in December when he needed to get to the House chamber to vote. He would not identify the legislator or the group.
In the past, visitors to the state capitol would pass through metal detectors, but then were free to visit any legislator’s office. Many large groups of constituents — including students, business owners and lobbyists — often drop in to members’ offices unannounced during visits to the capitol.
But Marsh says the traditional visitations were often disruptive and chaotic. “It would be more orderly if they were to come and ask for an appointment, and be allowed to come to the back to see either myself or any of the other senators or House members,” he said.
But some have criticized the new security measure, arguing it directly conflicts with Republicans’ promises of increased transparency when they were elected. Paul Hubbert, executive secretary of the Alabama Education Association, told the Advertiser that it appeared as if the GOP was “closing government down.”
“It doesn’t sound like there is going to be much transparency,” Hubbert said.
h/t Kathy
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fordfan
Posted on February 5, 2011 at 9:45amBefore anyone talks a bunch of smack about not being able to SEE their representative, lack of transparency, etc. they need to ask themselves some questions. How many times have you REAAAALLY NEEDED to SEE your representative? Is seeing said rep what is need to be reassured they still exist? I have NEVER had a desire to visit my representative, and I understand that some people do this and like it, and that‘s perfectly fine but I don’t. If there is something you want your representative to know or how you feel about something, call, write them an email and/or send a certified letter. After all, the latter can be made to be required that a certain individual signs for the letter so that it actually gets to the right person (and you have a record of it). That way, the possibility of an aide not delivering your message goes away……along with someone disrupting these people’s work.
AND THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WOULD FEEL IF THIS HAPPENED AT YOUR WORK:
“My first day in the Legislature, I had lobbyists literally walk right into my office, take their coats off, sit down and make themselves at home without saying a word,” Representative Wallace said. “I could hardly believe my eyes. They acted like it was their office. I’ve spent a lot of years in business and I have never had a salesman barge into my office and just make himself at home like that. It just isn’t professional. That just speaks to the culture that has permeated this place for so long, and I’m glad we’re changing it.”
Report Post »jColes
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 7:28pmThis release came from the Office of Speaker of the House, Mike Hubbard…explains it all…AEA’s Dr. Paul Hubbert ruled Alabama for decades…he and his minions cannot tolerate the sunlight shed on their corrupt dealings…like vampires, they go into a burn when exposed to the sunlight of truth…
ABC 32 WNCF TV Montgomery, Alabama
Speaker Aims to Make State House “User-Friendly”
By Morgan Hightower
February 3, 2011
Unbridled free reign for lobbyists in the hallways and offices of the State House will be a thing of the past thanks to a new effort by House Speaker Mike Hubbard to make the aging building more user-friendly for constituents, lawmakers and staff.
Speaker Hubbard today announced that his office, in conjunction with the office of Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, is conducting a review of current State House protocols and exploring ways to make the State House a more professional working environment for legislators and staff. That will include ending the zoo-like atmosphere created by lobbyists having carte blanch access to hallways and lawmakers offices during session.
“We promised to change the culture of this town, and that includes changing the culture inside this building,” Speaker Hubbard said. “Lobbyists and the special interests they represent have literally run this building for decades. During session, it gets to the point that lobbyists will occupy the offices of lawmakers and staff. This disorganized, zoo-like atmosphere inhibits the ability of real constituents to share their concerns with their elected representatives. That needs to change.”
Rumors and speculation that the legislative leadership intends to cut off public access to lawmakers are misinformed, Speaker Hubbard said.
“No one is going to cut off public access to the State House,” he said. “To the contrary. We are developing a situation that will make constituents feel more at home when they visit the Legislature. Right now, this building is a very intimidating environment for citizens, especially first-time visitors. We want to change that. One opportunity we’re considering is building a system that provides for documented, orderly constituent contact, while also helping lawmakers be more responsive.
“It’s about customer service,” Speaker Hubbard said. “We want to improve the visitor experience in the People’s House.”
The Speaker’s Office has received positive feedback from House Members about the effort to finally bring order to the chaotic State House environment.
Representative Barry Mask of Wetumpka, who chairs the Legislative Building Authority, said he was encouraged to know his constituents would find it easier to visit him at the State House.
“Reviewing these protocols and making the appropriate changes is the right thing to do,” Representative Mask said. “Visitors from my district should never feel intimidated by the lobbyist-dominated culture that has existed up until now.”
One lawmaker, Representative Jim McClendon of Springville, said he once opened his own office door to find the room full of lobbyists and cigarette smoke billowing out.
“My office smelled like an ashtray,” Representative McClendon said. “That just speaks to the attitude of ownership some lobbyists have held around here. I’ve had constituents try to visit me at the State House and wind up getting lost in the gaggle of lobbyists that will occupy the hallways and offices. There is a more professional, orderly way to do things and I’m looking forward to seeing those changes made. ”
Still another lawmaker, Representative Kurt Wallace of Maplesville, said he was surprised at how much leeway was given to lobbyists when he first came to the State House for the Special Session last December.
“My first day in the Legislature, I had lobbyists literally walk right into my office, take their coats off, sit down and make themselves at home without saying a word,” Representative Wallace said. “I could hardly believe my eyes. They acted like it was their office. I’ve spent a lot of years in business and I have never had a salesman barge into my office and just make himself at home like that. It just isn’t professional. That just speaks to the culture that has permeated this place for so long, and I’m glad we’re changing it.”
“
Representative Richard Laird of Roanoke said he has missed votes due to his inability to navigate hallways clogged with lobbyists.
“It’s like running a gauntlet when a vote is called,” Representative Laird said. “The Speaker is right on target on his efforts to change the culture around here. It’s a new day at the State House.”
Though no specific changes have been put into place, the Speaker’s Office is continuing to review current procedures and will propose policy changes soon.
(Information Source: Speaker Hubbard’s Office)
Report Post »Derfel Cadarn
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 4:43pmDoesn`t it strike anyone as unusual in todays world that when our founders wrote We the People they thought of themselves as people too? Our leaders are no longer just mere people anymore. Perhaps We the People should do something about that.
Report Post »JeanieinFl
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 12:51pmWant your rep’s attention? Make a youtube and send it to their offices, local and DC. If they don’t want to open their doors because of fear then utilize the next best thing. If your youtube does not get answers then post it with a reply as to how your rep was or was not giving concern to their constituents.
Stay creative my friends!!!!
Report Post »rdk
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 12:46pmWhat in the name of heck is wrong with making an appointment? Try just walking into the office of your doctor, lawyer, or Indian chief.
Report Post »jColes
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 12:36pmOne of the reasons for this new procedure is to limit the ability of lobbyists to hold ‘meetings’ with legislators in the hallways, as was the common practice during Paul Hubbert’s reign in the Alabama House…citizens may still go the galleries in both houses and if escorted by a member, may be on the floor when there is not a business session in progress — nothing has changed in that regard.
The Democrats held power in this state for 136 years and created a culture of corruption…many dishonest deals were done in the hallways…citizens traversing the halls is not constrained under these new procedures…just sign in, go to your legislator’s office and have your say…
The DemoLeft and their corrupt lobbyist pals hate haviing the light on honest truth shined on them.
Report Post »loweralabama
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 11:18amI have no problem with making changes to protect legislators from danger. The other posts are right, this is something manufactured by the Dems and AEA. Paul Hubbard’s goal in life is to insure that Alabama has one of the worst education systems in the country. He is our resident union thug that could care less about the welfare of the state’s children. Fortunately, we have our first Republican state house since the Civil War. Change is definitely in the air, much to his disappointment. He owned the Dems.
Report Post »Hugie 59 PA
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 11:08amHaving one horrific shooting resulting in the killing and wounding of citizen, as bad as that was, is not a valid reason to curtail access to those who serve as our representatives. Being an elected to public office carries with it some security risks but those who chose to run clearly know of the dangers. Please do not seek to hold a public office if your constituents are barred from meeting with you. After all we are a Republic and meeting with the people you represent is essential to representative governance.
Report Post »Scorchem
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 10:51amI’m all for safety and orderly visitation. I think, however, that the reps should be required in the same legislation to make themselves available to the public all day long at least two days a week.
Report Post »thommoos
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 10:26amHave you seen the choas there, there access is not happered, only access to their offices. not the hallways and the floor.
Report Post »jColes
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:58amI just got off the phone with my state legislator and now know the truth:
After passing through the metal detector, people merely need to sign-in and write down where they’re going and who (elected member’s name) they’re going to see in the building.
This story was spun by the Democrats — who were soundly beaten in the Noveember 2010 elections — and lobbyists who object to the ethics legislation passed during the special legislation session…Seven new laws that are making Alabama state government the cleanest and most open, most accountable state government in the nation.
No one is denied access to the Capitol Building or the legislative office building…The Left does not like it that they can’t sneak in and out to do their unseemly business any more…Now there will be records of who comes and goes, and who sees our elected members and their staffs.
The Left cannot stand the light of day shining on their activities.
Report Post »docvet
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 3:20pmThanks, that makes more sense. Wish I’d have to thought to call my representative before making a decision. Glad you did and posted it.
Report Post »wash1776
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:55amFunny how they all run scared and work so hard to protect themselves and don’t really give a hang about the rest of us. PROTECT OUR BORDERS!
Report Post »hsmom24boys
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:53amThis is likely to backfire on Alabama GOP. I don‘t understand why our Republicans don’t get it. We are, by and large, a conservative state, but our legislature doesn’t reflect that. This dims my hopes of getting closer to a reflection of the people by our elected representatives. I am one of those people who have “dropped by” to speak to my representative, only he hid in his office and wouldn’t come out. I passed him in the hall and I know he was there although his secretary told me he wasn’t. BTW, Ms. Gifford was shot in public, not in her office. Seems they forgot that. This is just another way to hide from us. Something tells me the “appointments” to meet with the reps will be rarely available. I hope I am wrong.
Report Post »VerySeniorCitizen
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:23amIsn’t it marvelous!
Lawmakers refuse to consider gun legislation – but then hide themselves from their constituents because they are afraid that someone might come in wielding a gun!
ONLY IN AMERICA!
Report Post »TERMLIMITSNOW
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:59amso what are you saying?
Report Post »VerySeniorCitizen
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 10:23amThink, TERMLIMITSNOW! Exactly what kind of an example is this man showing?? It seems it is OK for him to hide from his constituents, but they can’t avoid going to work or shopping – in the open. It ALSO means that the representative is no longer willing to represent his constituents (how can he when they have no access?) and so he will do what he wants – NOT what his constituents want him to do!
When anyone runs for office – and wins – they take an oath to uphold the Constitution (meaning represent his district). By hiding from the public this man is breaking that oath.
Report Post »Jezcruzen
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 8:40amI’m sure that somewhere along the line someone will exclaim, “Its for the chill’run!
Report Post »LibertarianLady
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 8:33am@ BALI
Report Post »Yes Hubbert is definitely a snake in the grass and a very large part of the problem of the poor educational system here in Alabama. He and his cronies (including the newly seated Republican governor) set up robo calls in favor of Bentley just before the primary. The back room deal was sweet for everyone except the children of the system and the citizens of the state. As a resident, I was appalled at the complicity between the two and just astounded that the Republican won anyway.
florida123
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 8:04amHere we go is there really any hope my Fellow Americans? I think not! We all need to rethink our priorities, God, Family, Neighbor
Report Post »bali
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 7:58amFor those of you who do not know, Paul Hubbert is a snake in the grass. Head of the teachers union (he is good if you support unions but bad if you want real education reform). He is part of what is wrong in America.
Report Post »docvet
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 3:16pmAgree. If the AEA is against it, then maybe it isn’t a bad idea.
Report Post »Ozark, AL
4EvrFree
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 7:04pmI hate that it has come to this, but remember the AEA (Alabama Education Association) has the largest lobbiest group in Montgomery. Limit their access to the politicians and you limit their strangle hold on this state.
Report Post »jColes
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 4:05amMy initial reaction is: ‘not a good move, Mike.’
…but I‘m sure there’s more to this than has been reported thus far, and I’m also sure that an effort will be under way soon to balance legitimate security and public access to capitol offices and work areas…there had better be…failing to quickly and publicly announce a process that meets security and public access needs will only feed the Left vile propaganda machine.
Report Post »the_ancient
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 1:34amOne more step down the road to serfdom…
How dare people expect their “Lord” to just see them when ever they wish, no no no they must seek PERMISSION before addressing their “Lord”
Report Post »decendentof56
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 5:54amOne thing I think we can all agree on is that we can‘t allow our rep’s to be put in danger. Look at Mexico. Mayor’s judges, etc, are murdered on a regular basis.
Report Post »I agree that we must have access to our rep’s, but there has to be a way to do it that insures their, and the publics, safety.
rcjames
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 8:54amPersonally, I see no problem with making as appointment.
I have visited both the State Houses and the U.S. Congress and all the folks going every which a way is confusing and certainly interfers with the business at hand.
There is nothing wrong with a little decorum and order.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:04amNever let a crisis go to waste……
Report Post »VerySeniorCitizen
Posted on February 3, 2011 at 9:27amRCJames, What ever happened to the public‘s ’RIGHT TO PETITION’ their representatives? Or is that ONLY for business lobbyists who are willing to spring for a meal for the Representative?
Report Post »