Cancer center reviewing lobbyist hiring policy

Two days ago, Buzz noted that Mark Ferrulo of the left-leaning group Progress Florida had pointed out that H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center employs lobbyists, such as Mike Harrell, Carole Duncanson and Sebastian Aleksander, who also work for tobacco companies. (Check out Ferrulo's posting here.)

Moffitt Cancer Center has told Buzz that they're "concerned about the perception" of hiring lobbyists who lobby for both the center and tobacco companies and "moving forward, Moffitt will be reviewing its policies concerning who represents the cancer center with the legislature," said Michelle Foley, spokeswoman for Moffitt Cancer Center.

--Jennifer Liberto and Lisa Greene, Times Staff Writers

Comments

Progress Florida should be investigated for it's own practices and poltical agendas. That do they stand to gain by trying to throw private businesses under the bus? I wonder...

Health agencies that give money to Tobacco companies and their lobbyist have questionable creditability. If Moffitt follows through, and does not hire lobbyist who also pimp tobacco in the future, this will make their commitment to fighting cancer seem sincere.

It will take a few cycles for this mark against them to be forgotten. But a tip of the hat for trying to right their wrongs.

florida tobacco and CANDY association

Moffitt shold hire whomever can best advance its agenda.

[Susan S]

10:58 AM,
So you want to investigate a political organization to see if it has a political agenda???

Brilliant.

Fire fat Sebas!

stop the hate

Cigarettes cause cancer.

Tobacco Lobbyist want people to smoke cigarettes.

Tobacco Lobbyist are pro-cancer.

They cannot lobby for both.

[LuckyLucy48]

Sounds to me like the lobbyist are just drumming up some lung cancer business for Moffit. What's the big deal?

Susan S:

"So you want to investigate a political organization to see if it has a political agenda???"

No. That's not what I said, you moron. I said they should be investigated for their practices and what they have to gain my throwing these guys under the bus and leaning on Moffitt.

Progress Florida doesn't take a piss unless its financially advantageous for one of their associates or interests.

Surely there are more ethical lobbyists out there?

Mike's okay, Carole's one smart cookie, and Sebastian's a pathetic lobbyist. No sweat off 'ole Moffitt's back to can him.

[Susan S]

2:22 PM,
I'm a moron?
If you read the goals of Progress Florida, there is no surprise in what they're doing. It's the reason they exist!

Good work Mark.

[CountOurVotes!]

Progress Florida is doing great work on a variety of issues: check out http://www.progressflorida.org/. And kudos to Mark, Moffitt should know better!

Haters

Progress Florida, who sponsors the Florida Chapter of Progressive Democrats of america (lower case of course) is a newsworthy organization? LOL

What a joke

2:22 is a jackass.

There are plenty of lobbyists who would never allow themselves to be hired by two clients whose agendas so obviously conflict.

Knowing Seabass, he’s laughing all the way to the bank right now in his brand new 745 BMW. Smoking a Padron and plugin away Copenhagen.

That must really bother you 2:55

why all the hate?

by the way, Sea bass has a hot wife too!

Funny 1:28 You forgot to mention drinking his umpteenth red bull.

That boy does not sleep. But he knows how to get it done.

[S]

I am not even a Florida resident, but this action by Moffitt has floored me! As a cancer activist I cannot believe Moffitt would even associate with tobacco lobbyists. I've had friends/family treated there, and I am horrified with this news. MOFFITT - you ought to be ashamed!!!!!

SeaBass couldn't afford the 750?

oh, and will that hottie make rain under a new administration?

Go Linda!

I would hire that hottie in a minute.

[la]

She’s a fmr Miss Hawaiian Tropic

I wanna be SeaBass when I grow up yo

what year was debbie miss hawaiian tropic?