Oakland U. professor to lead
class on timely topic–lobbying

Most political junkies know that lobbyists and special-interest groups are important players in the process. But they may be unfamiliar with exactly how lobbying works. A class next week at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial is aimed at making voters better informed at the role lobbyists play, just as a U.S. Supreme Court decision vastly increases their power.

In his program, “Discovering the Ins & Outs of Lobbying in Congress,” Oakland University associate professor David Dulio wants to paint an accurate picture of what these influencers do, who they are and how they work. “People hear about lobbyists and lobbying, contributions, Jack Abramoff, bribery and scandal, but that’s a very misleading portrait of what lobbying is and how it’s done,” Dulio said.

Dulio plans to debunk the myth and correct misconceptions that all lobbyists are crooks, noting that there is substance attributed to their work. “There are bad apples certainly, but lobbyists provide an invaluable service to the legislative process at the national and state level,” he said.

There are valid reasons for their importance and why lobbyists are valuable to the political system.

“Information is the greatest resource that lobbyists have and elected officials need it,” Dulio stated.

Dave Dulio will lead his program March 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. The cost is $22 per person. Register by calling 313-881-7511.
 

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