Costs of doing city business

Republic Services, the big Phoenix-based solid-waste operation with a wide footprint in San Diego, has of late been anteing up the bucks at city hall. According to its latest lobbyist filing with the city clerk, company employees were conspicuous at the post-election December fundraiser held by Democratic mayor Bob Filner. The firm has recently been seeking an “agreement with the city to obtain use of city property adjacent to 8364 Clairemont Mesa Blvd,” which is the company’s local headquarters. Republic employees Alberto Guardado and Jim Abroso lobbied city chief operating officer Jay Goldstone and Jim Barwick of real estate assets. Both Ambroso and Guardado kicked in $300 to Filner on December 6, as did the company’s Jeff Andrews. Another employee, Neil Mohr, came up with $250. For good measure, Mohr also gave a post-election $200 to GOP city councilman Scott Sherman on November 29, as did Ambroso…Lobbyist Richard Ledford has picked up a new client. According to a recently filed disclosure report, the former aide to GOP ex-mayor Susan Golding is working for Prime Time Shuttles to “identify, enhance, and facilitate new business opportunities for client in San Diego.” In case there was a question, the “outcome sought” is “new transportation contracts for client.” The report notes “fundraising activities” by the lobbyist on behalf of city-council Democrats Marti Emerald and Sherri Lightner. Ledford also works for the California Dental Association “to promote the continued fluoridation of potable water supplied by the City of San Diego.”