Aiken's lobbyists proposal finds little support

AIKEN --- An idea to hire a lobbying firm to represent the area in Washington isn't getting much support from other counties.

The suggestion, proposed at an Aiken County Council budget work session by Councilman Chuck Smith, would include $100,000 in Aiken County's upcoming fiscal year budget, for a firm that would help find federal money for the area, particularly involving Savannah River Site.

A cost-sharing venture with surrounding governments, including such area counties as Barnwell and Columbia, was mentioned at the meeting. Officials in both those counties, say, however, it could be a hard sell.

"Money's too tight," said Joe Smith, the chairman of the Barnwell County Commission, adding that his county isn't in a strong enough financial position. He said the county is facing a loss of about $1.2 million in revenue as it prepares its next fiscal year budget.

Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross said that although he would be open-minded about such a proposal, he doubts "that we would be willing to contribute a fair share of that or a good portion."

He said Columbia County's biggest concern is funding from Atlanta, adding that Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Broun has been doing a good job for Columbia County on the federal level.

Some Aiken County Council members said federal area representatives don't always serve on the committees where funding decisions are made.

"I think we could get more than we do," said LaWana McKenzie, adding that a lobbyist could help the county by getting it on certain committee agendas for funding requests. "... We don't have anyone pushing to put us on those (committee) agendas."

Mr. Smith said the area should get "more proactive" in finding revenue. "I just think we need somebody up there working on our behalf," he said.

Ryan Murphy, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, whose district includes part of Aiken County, said Mr. Wilson would leave a lobbyist to their discretion.

"It's a local issue. It's something that they're going to need to make a decision on," Mr. Murphy said.

The issue will likely be discussed tonight at the council's next budget work session after a 6 p.m. public hearing on the county's next fiscal year budget proposal.

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.