Lobbyists for ProvPort Had Not Registered With City - Until GoLocal Inquiry
GoLocalProv News Team
Lobbyists for ProvPort Had Not Registered With City - Until GoLocal Inquiry
Nick Hemond, a top State House lobbyist, registered to lobby for ProvPort on Thursday after a GoLocal inquiry.
The City of Providence's lobbying requirements can be found below.
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Latest in ProvPort Battle
The extension of the ProvPort lease was approved by the Providence City Council Finance Committee by a vote of 4 to 1.
The full City Council is taking up the lease extension at Thursday night's meeting.
Chris Waterson of Waterson Terminal Services, who made a presentation to the Providence City Council’s Finance Committee on Monday, also had previously failed to register. And Bill Fischer, the company’s spokesperson, had registered but had not paid the registration fee, according to city records.
“Nick Hemond was retained by ProvPort as our attorney and lobbyist to navigate the matter before the City Council. Chris Waterson was not involved in any direct negotiations with City Councilors, he simply made a presentation to the committee in conjunction with Mr. Hemond. Out of an abundance of caution Chris and I will register today,” said Fischer in an email to GoLocal.
Opponents of the new agreement had criticized the deal being pushed through in the final days of the Elorza Administration.
ProvPort and its sister company Waterson Terminal executives have donated $24,500 to the outgoing mayor’s campaign fund.
All of those lobbying on behalf of the company say they are now in compliance after the GoLocal inquiry.
Providence Lobbying Requirments
According to the city, who must "register and report" includes the following:
"Any person, who, as an appointed representative, seeks to influence a municipal decision, must register and report. This includes any attorneys, accountants, or consultants."
See the full requirements here.