County sacks lobbyist,
sparks political friction
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
The Mobile County Commission today dismissed its longtime lobbyist, another move in the all Republican body's quest to have its appointed employees in tune with its political philosophy.
The commission replaced Beth Marietta Lyons and expanded the lobbying duties of its other lobbyist, Andre Reid.
Mobile Mayor Sam Jones reportedly derided the move as foolhardy and counter-productive to the community's progress. Jones did not immediately return a call to confirm his sentiments. Jones was on the county commission when Marietta-Lyons was hired.
However, County Commissioner Stephen Nodine took umbrage, saying, "It (ticks) me me off that the mayor would make a statement like that. We've given the city millions (of dollars). I've done everything to be a unifier. I've worked with the city even though we are from opposite political sectors. And it's worked pretty well. Why he would be upset with our decision on a lobbyist is a mystery to me. We run the county. He runs the city."
Marietta-Lyons, an attorney and former state legislator, billed the county at $85 an hour which, depending upon the work load, amounted to $30,000 to $50,000 annually.
Reid, a former state trooper and ally of ex-Lt. Gov. Steve Windom, will be paid $4,000 a month, or twice the pay he was receiving as a secondary lobbyist.
According to Nodine, the decision cuts the county's lobbying costs by about $1,500 a month while also eliminating potential conflicts stemming from Marietta-Lyons' work in behalf of the city, the chamber of commerce and the bar pilots association.
"This is nothing against Beth, but there is an inherent conflict, particularly with the annexation question coming up and other things with the chamber," said Nodine. "And why are four of us paying one person to do the same thing? Does that strike you as odd?"
Marietta-Lyons said she had no comment.
Hired by the county in 1992 as an assistant county attorney handling legislative matters, Marietta-Lyons' chief duties were:
- Research for the commissioners or staff on legislative issues;
- Drafting legislation and promoting it as well as watching all bills introduced for any impact on Mobile County and;
- Handling any amendments or opposing the bills with an adverse impact on the county.
"Beth is a fine person," Nodine said. "She did a lot of good for this county and we appreciate her service but we do believe it's an inherent conflict to represent the city and county, the chamber and the bar pilots. And, of course, her husband Jimmy Lyons is port director."
Jones' apparent reaction was perplexing, said Nodine.
"We've cooperated completely on economic development with the city, the most major economic development incentive package in its history," said Nodine. "We've worked with the city on the tennis center. When the city didn't have enough money, we came up with $1 million for the senior center. Another $1 million for the Mary Abbie Berg (upgrade). A million for the Museum of Art. The county is not practicing any political folly. We just move in different directions sometimes."
Nodine embraced the commission's willingness to reward qualified Republicans with non-merit system appointed posts with the county whenever possible.
"We're always looking for good, conservative Republican lobbyists, lawyers and other talented, qualified people to serve the deserving people of Mobile County," said Nodine. "Sam had the run of the show over here for a long time. Now that there is a Republican county commission, it is incumbent on us to employ the very qualified Republican people out there."
"Did Sam Jones have any Republicans over here in the last 18 years?" Nodine said. "The answer is 'no.' If it's folly to save the taxpayers $1,500 a month and avoid a conflict of interest with the city, then we're guilty of folly."
