Annapolis Lobbying Shake-Out Continues, Alexander & Cleaver Poised To Go To Court Over Departures, Partner Says

A rare breakup within a well-known Annapolis lobbying firm could lead to a rare lawsuit between that firm and its defecting employees.

The departure of Hannah Powers Garagiola and at least four other lobbyists from Alexander & Cleaver has caught the attention of other State Circle power brokers and raises as many questions as it answers. Her former firm, which, at least for the moment, employs Powers Garagiola’s husband, Robert Garagiola, says it is planning to “initiate action imminently” to protect its interests.

Powers Garagiola and her former employer, Gary Alexander, a partner at Alexander & Cleaver, each issued statements in the last few days as the departures became public.

“We wanted to take a fresh approach to government relations and have an opportunity for growth,” said Powers Garagiola, in explaining why she had departed.

Not on the list, for now, is her husband, former state Sen. Robert Garagiola, who has managed the Annapolis operation since 2015.

Alexander & Cleaver is one of the top earning firms in the state. Robert Garagiola most recently reported earnings in excess of $735,000 from Nov. 2, 2017, to April 30, 2018. Hannah Powers Garagiola reported earnings of more than $274,000, according to the Maryland State Ethics Commission.

Alexander said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the announcement that as many as a half-dozen lobbyists were leaving his firm’s Annapolis office.

“For us, it’s business as usual,” said Alexander, who said his firm expects to make some announcements about hiring later in the week. “I’ve been heartened by all the support from the business community. It’s really been great with all the support.”

“I think all firms have people who want to go out on their own. That’s normal,” said Alexander. “We’ve always shook hands. We’ve never had anyone do what Hannah is doing now. It’s unusual, but it will all shake out.”

Click here to read the rest of the article written by Bryan P. Sears over at the Daily Record