Alhambra : City Rehires Lobbying Firm

Hoping to influence the federal government’s decision on whether to fund the extension of the Long Beach Freeway, city officials have rehired a Washington-based lobbying firm that specializes in transportation issues.

The Ferguson Co. will lobby for completion of the 6.2-mile proposed freeway route through Pasadena, South Pasadena, to the Alhambra/Los Angeles border, said Mary Kelly, city spokeswoman. The firm will also lobby for federal funding for transportation projects in Alhambra.

Pro-freeway Alhambra officials complain that their streets are flooded with cars that would travel the route if the 710 Freeway was completed between the Foothill (210) Freeway and San Bernardino (10) Freeway to the south.

The City Council agreed to an annual $30,000 contract with the lobbying firm last week. It is one of a number of lobbying firms contracted by the city, including Washington-based Marc Associates and Sacramento lobbyist Peter Sanford.

Last month, council members approved hiring Marc Associates, another lobbying firm which specializes in transportation issues, for $4,000 per month.

The council also last month approved the hiring of Mike Ward, a former Times reporter, as a media consultant at an hourly rate of $65. Kelly said Ward is working on a number of projects, including some relating to the extension of the Long Beach Freeway.