Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Government Contracts Lobbying topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gates County renews lobbyist contract; commissioners debate value amid water concerns
Summary
The Board renewed a two-year contract with lobbyist Bob Steinberg (and partner Jackson Stansell) after commissioners discussed past results and local needs, including water fluoride concerns; contract cost remains $36,000 per year (two years $72,000).
The Gates County Board of Commissioners voted to renew its lobbyist agreement for the 2025-26 biennium with Bob Steinberg and his team, after hearing a summary of past results and a brief but pointed debate about priorities.
Steinberg, the county's lobbyist and a former North Carolina legislator, told commissioners his work and that of Jackson Stansell helped secure funding and advocacy for the county during the previous contract period. He listed results the county received, including $10 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects, $300,000 for the sheriff's office for vehicles and equipment, $400,000 for Gates County Schools, $200,000 for the ROTC cadet program and $200,000 for science equipment and supplies. He said the county paid $36,000 per year for the service (a $72,000 total cost for two years) and that he was not requesting a fee increase.
Several commissioners praised the returns; others questioned whether lobbyist intervention materially affects grant scoring and expressed concern that immediate local needs'notably long-standing fluoride issues in the county'should take priority over contracted advocacy. One commissioner said they would rather spend that money on bottled water or direct relief for students than on lobbying. Steinberg and others replied that lobbying helps secure discretionary or supplemental appropriations and provides rapid advocacy when issues arise in Raleigh.
After discussion the board voted to renew the agreement. The chair called for the ayes and recorded vocal support; one commissioner voiced opposition but the motion carried. Steinberg said he will work with the commissioners on a work session in January to develop a priority list for the next biennium.
The board did not specify a detailed work plan in the meeting minutes beyond a future work session; the contract renewal keeps existing staff access to Steinberg and his on-site associate for legislative advocacy in Raleigh.
