UW spending $175 per hour to lobby for new stadium

While reviewing state personal service contracts back in July, a $50,000 lobbying contract for the University of Washington (UW) caught my attention. Unfortunately, the information listed on the Office of Financial Management's website didn't disclose what the lobbying was for so I asked the UW for a copy of the contract. Nearly two months from my first request, I finally received a copy of the contract today.

Turns out the $50,000 contract is for a consultant "to provide legislative drafting and fiscal analysis related to the 2008 request for state financial assistance to remodel Husky stadium." The contract was originally to expire March 31, 2008, but its terms have been extended until June 30, 2009.

The contract further notes the "consultant will be paid $175 per hour for his services, and receive reimbursement for associated reasonable expenses, including travel costs."

Here is a copy of the contract.

In a strange coincidence, the Spokesman Review this week highlighted the bad blood east of the Cascades for efforts to use taxpayer dollars to remodel Husky stadium.

• Huskies' reach for taxes hits Cougar nerve
• Taxes are no fun

Although Husky stadium may need renovations, rather than paying a lobbyist $175 per hour to secure taxpayer funding, why not use some of the UW's $2.7 billion endowment or asking for alumni help?

Comments

[Hmmm]

If he's "lobbying," shouldn't he be registered with the PDC?

[careful reader]

He's not lobbying. Lobbying is advocacy. The contract, as quoted by Jason, is for consulting services consisting of "drafting and fiscal analysis." That is not the same as advocacy.

[Hmmm]

Fair enough, careful reader but the scope of work of the signed contract includes "participate in meetings with policy makers" and "comment on other public policy issues and documents." While that can be technical as well, there's 50,000 reasons why he might have an opinion.

[Michael]

Are you going to ask the State Auditor to look at this use of public money just like you did with Sound Transit? If not, why not?

[flynlo]

Re: Spending taxpayer money to upgrade Husky Stadium

Two Words -- QWEST FIELD

[Michael]

"Re: Spending taxpayer money to upgrade Husky Stadium

Two Words -- QWEST FIELD"

What about it? Husky Stadium is a public facility run by a public agency (UW). Qwest is a public Stadium built in partnership with a private company to benefit a private company. That's the problem with Qwest. There is no problem with Husky Stadium that you can compare with Qwest.