Cox, LimeBike, Monsanto, and more paying the influence peddlers

Following news earlier this month that Cox Communications has filed to lobby against the issue of so-called network neutrality, its cable competitor AT&T has joined the cause, disclosing in an April 19 statement that it will lobby the city council to oppose “Municipal broadband”

As debate mounted this past winter over the wisdom of allowing dockless rental bikes on San Diego city streets and sidewalks, LimeBike out of San Mateo forked over $11,000 to the lobbying outfit of Rath Miller to get the city to approve a right-of-way permit, according to the firm’s recent fourth quarter disclosure filing amendment.

Verizon and the United Medical Marijuana Coalition each came up with $10,000 to pay the influence peddlers, as did city paramedic provider American Medical Response Ambulance Services, seeking a “rate increase” per the filing. Chemical giant Monsanto paid $5000 to Rath Miller to “coordinate introductory meetings.” Rath Miller principal Phil Rath, who is chairman of the city’s Civic San Diego redevelopment board, has been at the center of controversy regarding an alleged potential conflict of interest stemming from his days as a lobbyist for Affirmed Housing, which has been seeking city contracts.