Lobbying for San Clemente

By Stacie Galang
San Clemente Times
July 27, 2011

San Clemente’s relationship with its lobbyist began nearly 10 years ago because of the beach. Decades of sand erosion raised concern by city officials who sought to shore up their efforts.

“There was a general feeling all along that either we had to accept the fact that San Clemente was at some point going to have minimal sand or look at some options,” said Marine Safety Chief Bill Humphreys.

Around 2001, the city opted to try to restore sand levels, and city officials brought in Howard Marlowe as a consultant to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to Humphreys.

Now, the consultant’s Washington D.C. firm Marlowe & Co. has broadened its work for San Clemente, lobbying Congress for additional priorities, arranging meetings with top U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials and introducing language into bills. These days, Michael Willis, a principal at Marlowe & Co., acts as San Clemente’s point person.

“Our job is to assist in helping the city develop and help carry out its federal affairs priorities,” said Willis by phone this week.

Willis spent five years working for Rep. John Mica, R-Florida, who now serves as chairman of the House’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. As the city works to get federal dollars for the La Pata extension, that relationship will only enhance the city’s ability, Willis noted.

Marlowe & Co. said it has secured $3.586 million in federal funds directly to San Clemente.