PawSox stadium opponent says he’s not a ‘lobbyist’

By: Rebecca Turco
Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE – Controversy surrounding the state's lobbying laws and freedom of speech, as the head of the movement against a new PawSox stadium is speaking out against a state letter advising him to register as a lobbyist. 

David Norton, a small business owner and head of Organizing for Pawtucket, feels he does not qualify as a lobbyist, even though the Secretary of State’s Office sent him a letter on July 7 that he may be required to register as one. “I felt intimidated,” he said. “What am I going to do now? Do I have to stop trying to oppose the stadium deal?”

The state’s definition for a lobbyist is far-reaching, essentially defining it as someone who meets with government officials in hopes of passing – or not passing – laws. 

Norton feels the petition and protests he has helped organize are not instances of lobbying, but rather freedom of speech. “I'm not spending any money to influence legislators and I'm not employed by anybody to influence legislators,” he explained. 

He is also upset that a similar lobbying reminder letter to the PawSox CEO started off with a congenial congratulations. “I think it reveals that wealthy people are treated much differently than everyday people,” he said. 

The Secretary of State’s Office sent ABC6 News a statement regarding this: 
"Secretary of State Gorbea is committed to looking out for Rhode Islanders and enforcing existing lobbying statutes without limiting anyone’s right to freedom of expression. The existing laws are difficult to interpret. Therefore, Secretary Gorbea is proactively making her office available to educate Rhode Islanders and help them navigate these laws. The Secretary is committed to ensuring that more Rhode Islanders engage with their government."

Meanwhile, Norton says he will pursue legal action if he is forced to register as a lobbyist. 

© WLNE-TV 2015