Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – When lobbyist Jessica Basham (pictured) goes to work for her client, the city of Springfield, who has her ear – the mayor or the city council?

Some members of the council say that the city’s official position on downtown development legislation, advanced by Basham at the statehouse, does not represent everybody on the council and suggest Basham is taking direction from only Mayor Misty Buscher. During discussion, Ald. Jennifer Notariano referred to Basham as “the mayor’s lobbyist.”

Ald. Roy Williams questioned corporation counsel Greg Moredock about it.

Williams: “If she signed a contract with the city, surely she is following the lead of the mayor or the council or how we vote or something. We just need clarity on it. That’s what I am hearing. She can just go down there and do what she feels? is that your answer to me?”
Moredock: “No, she can take direction from the mayor –“
Williams: “From the mayor. So when the city and the mayor disagree, she just goes with the mayor.”

Moredock said Basham should follow the legislative agenda passed by the council.

Some aldermen opposed the creation of a tourism district, believing the city would cede control to Sangamon County over a hotel project.

Meanwhile, Ald. Shawn Gregory said the city’s east side needs better representation at the Capitol. He said he has contacted the city’s former lobbyist, Larry Luster, about the possibility of lobbying for issues specific to the city’s east side.