ADEP/City hired lobbyist to pass the arena legislation in December

In a highly concerning turn of events, we've just found the registration for a private lobbying firm hired by ADEP with the stated purpose of lobbying our general assembly on passage of the arena legislation. 

They used our tax dollars to hire lobbyists to lobby for passage before the City Council has even voted to approve the project and before there has been ANY public engagement on this project. 

To say we are stunned is an understatement. This is one of the most unethical attempts at governing we have seen. Those supporting the project might think this is great, until the shoe is on the other foot. This is no way to handle public business. Alexandria should be outraged. 

Please find the registrations here: https://www.vpap.org/lobbying/client/279610-alexandria-economic-development-partnership/

If you click on "details" you can find the description of the issue they were registered to lobby on. In this case, ADEP hired them to lobby on "Assisting with the securing the legislation and funding required to build the Monumental Sports Complex in Alexandria, VA."

They were registered on Dec 22 and 28.

Please let the City Council and our state reps know this is NO way to handle public business.