Michael Simonsen hails from trash hauler Republic Services, where he’s spent the last four and a half years as Municipal Relationship Manager.

Trash hauling lobbyist

With a tumultuous election year drawing to a close, the revolving doors at San Diego City Hall have gone into overtime as old staffers depart for greener lobbying fields, and new ones arrive fresh from playing the influence-peddling game. Michael Simonsen, the freshly minted chief of staff for newly elected Seventh District Democrat Raul Campillo, hails from trash hauler Republic Services, where he’s spent the last four and a half years as Municipal Relationship Manager, per his LinkedIn profile. “Pragmatic public affairs, marketing and business development professional with over 20 years’ experience in developing and implementing community, government, and media relations programs,” says LinkedIn. “Highly successful in creating and managing strategic partnership initiatives while enhancing brand reputation. Excellent communication skills in small or large groups. Proven leader with outstanding writing and organizational skills.” Before Republic, according to his bio, Simonsen worked a decade for controversial city paramedic provider Rural Metro as a market development director and California director of public affairs. Before that, he was director of labor relations for the city’s firefighter’s union, and before that, chief of staff for Sixth District Councilwoman Donna Frye.

Raul Campillo raided the rubbish removal industry to find a chief of staff.