Blackwater Opponents Accuse Lobbying Firm of Conflict of Interest

KPBS (2007-09-05) Amita Sharma

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Opponents of a defense contractor’s proposal to build a training camp in San Diego’s backcountry say a lobbying firm that works both for the county and the company has a conflict of interest. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

Blackwater USA has hired government relations firm Carpi & Clay to foster local contacts for its plan to build a training center in Potrero east of San Diego. The county of San Diego also uses Carpi & Clay and its parent firm Nielsen Merksamer for lobbying services in Sacramento. Project opponent Raymond Lutz is uncomfortable with that relationship because the county has final say over the project.

Lutz: The county, as spending taxpayer money on this service, should not be allowed to have a service provider that also represents one of the firms that’s coming before the county for a huge decision.

Watchdog groups say it is legal for Carpi & Clay to work both for Blackwater and the county as long as that work doesn’t overlap.

Amita Sharma, KPBS News.