Subject: some ethics info and meeting dates
From: "Chris Lu" <[email-masked]>
To: "Chris Lu" <[email-masked]>, "Adam Hitchcock" <[email-masked]>, [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], "Valerie Jarrett" <[email-masked]>, [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], "Pete Rouse" <[email-masked]>, "Melody Barnes" <[email-masked]>, [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], "Jim Steinberg" <[email-masked]>, [email-masked],
Cc: [email-masked], [email-masked], "Jayne Thomisee" <[email-masked]>, [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], [email-masked], "Katie Johnson" <[email-masked]>, "Elizabeth Utrup" <[email-masked]>, [email-masked]
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:50:31 -0500

Just wanted to pass along a few things:

1)      I know that some of the working groups are holding meetings at
law firms that employ registered lobbyists.  Our ethics lawyers have
advised us that the use of such meeting spaces (if it's not reimbursed)
would probably not comply with our internal code of conduct.  There are
a few options:  1) reimburse the firm for the use of the space; 2) find
a meeting place at a firm that doesn't employ lobbyists; or 3) use our
small conference room at the transition office.  Regarding
reimbursement, before you agree to do this, please let me know, so I can
see whether it fits into our budget.  Regarding our conference room
here, it seats about 8 people max, and if you'd like to use it, email
Joani Walsh ([email-masked] <mailto:[email-masked]> ) and
she can reserve it for you.

2)      The ethics issue above also would apply to the use of a
conference call line that is being paid for by a law firm that employs
lobbyists.  It's probably a good practice for all working groups to set
up their own conference call lines through this free service:  
http://www.freeconferencecall.com/ <http://www.freeconferencecall.com/> 

3)      The next two meetings for the transition board and working group
chairs are Friday, October 3 and Friday, October 10 - both in D.C. at
Perkins Coie.   I know the West Coast folks would like to start earlier
so they can fly back that evening.  But the VP debate is scheduled for
October 2 in St. Louis, and the VP folks have asked to start a little
later.  In order to come up with some possible meeting times, please
email Adam Hitchcock ([email-masked]
<mailto:[email-masked]> ) and let him know whether you're
available both days and what time you'd prefer.

4)      Finally, attached is an article from yesterday's Roll Call on
transitions.