New York Post, Feb 3, 2006
As the city examines the power that lobbyists exert on municipal government, new figures show the top influence-peddlers are hauling in big bucks.
According to a list compiled by the Citizens Union and obtained by The Post, the Parkside Group is the city's top-billing lobbying or consulting group, having earned $7.5 million in fees since 2001.
Among the group's high-powered clients is former City Council Speaker Gifford Miller. It has also lobbied Miller on behalf of several clients.
Kasirer Consulting was next on the list, with $6.5 million. Its clients have included City Comptroller William Thompson.
Mirram Global, which guided Fernando Ferrer's failed mayoral bid and was co-founded by former Bronx Democratic boss Robert Ramirez, has taken in $5.2 million since 2001.
Hank Sheinkopf, who represents Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, earned $4.7 million.
The list was disclosed as the city's Conflict of Interest Board winds up its public hearings today on whether to push a rule barring lobbyists from doubling as political consultants.
But the Citizens Union is arguing that that the further regulation of lobbyists should be addressed by the mayor and the City Council, not the board.
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