Image Credit: HamiltonCountyTN / YouTube & PoplarGroup.com
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
On Wednesday morning the Hamilton County Commission authorized County Mayor Weston Wamp to hire Republican strategist Chris Devaney and his firm, Poplar Group, as a lobbyist to promote the county’s agenda at the statehouse this year.
Devaney appears to have been recommended by Mayor Wamp for the position, who stated that though he had considered several other options, Poplar Group was one of the lesser expensive firms as some charge as much as $10,000 per month.
The county has agreed to pay the Poplar Group $7,500 per month for January-June, then $6,000 per month July-December. Sum total, the county will pay Devaney and Poplar Group approximately $81,000 for the year.
Devaney will be replacing the county’s current lobbyist Will Denami who was paid $100,000 annually for advocating for Hamilton County while simultaneously representing Williamson County, the Assessors of Property Association, 911, and the Emergency Management Association of Davidson County, for which he also received generous salaries and benefits.
Before forming Poplar Group in 2021, Devaney worked as the Executive Director for the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) from 2005-2007 then was elected Chairman from 2009-2015 until current Chair Scott Golden took over in 2016.
He also served as the Campaign Manager for Bill Lee’s gubernatorial run in 2018.
The Chattanoogan reported that Devaney said the firm would not be representing any other municipalities, nor would he be involved with any political campaigns. He has been a registered lobbyist for approximately four years.
The ethical dilemma surrounding taxpayer-funded lobbyists and lobbyists who have immediate familial ties to members of the legislature continues to be of interest to conservative voters and some lawmakers across the state, especially as these lobbyists receive raises and preferential treatment without constituent input or consent.
Lobbyists employed by municipalities or government entities in Tennessee are receiving more than $5 million in taxpayer funds per year to lobby the legislature for government interests over those of the Tennessee citizenry.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
