The following information was handed out at the February 15, 2005 Learn@Lunch, presented by Bill Stinson, Governmental Affairs Consultant/Owner, Bill Stinson Consulting, bstinson@austin.rr.com .

The World of the Legislators

1. They want to do a good job.
   Each of us wants to do a good job, but we sometimes forget that this basic human drive applies to elected officials too!
   
2. They want to get RE-ELECTED!
   They know that they can not be truly effective out of office. Like you, they like their job and want to keep it. Re-election is public proof that they have done a good job. They want to be associated with issues that will get them re-elected.
   
3. They want to be responsive.
   They are in the business of pleasing people and sincerely want to accommodate you - but not at any cost. Other considerations may prevent them from doing so.
   
4. They are not experts in your business.
   It took you years to acquire you knowledge of your industry's business. Don't expect them to have your familiarity with industry problems. Share your knowledge with them.
   
5. They are very busy.
   An elected official is public property. Everyone wants a piece of their time. Their workload is staggering. Don't waste their time.
   
6. They have no accurate barometer of constituent thinking.
   Mail might give a clue, but most of the time they can only guess. If your elected official doesn't hear from you, you have no reason to complain!
   
7. They are elected to use their judgment.
   They want to consider constituent opinion and does, but the final analysis, they must study available information.
   
8. They want to know how legislation will affect their constituents.
   This is where you can really help. Your industry will have information you can use to show the officials the impact on the people they represent.
   
9. They are concerned with dozens of bills.
   Thousands of bills are introduced each session. They can't possibly be familiar with the details of your pet measure.
   
10. They are likely to forget names and faces.
    Elected officials meet thousands of people each year. Don't be offended if he forgets your name. Reintroduce yourself. They will appreciate it.
    
11. They deserve respectful treatment.
    The office of politics is a position of respect and achievement. They will respect your views as a constituent and is due reciprocal respect for theirs, even if they conflict with yours.

Preparing for that Important Meeting

1. Make an appointment.
   Call as much in advance as possible. Be flexible on the date and time. Give your full name, contact information and the issue you wish to discuss. Provide a written summary of the issue prior to your appointment.
   
2. Do your homework!
   Know you elected official's background, voting record, general political philosophy - moderate, conservative, liberal.
   
3. Create a positive attitude - keep an open mind.
   If you are going to discuss a bill you oppose, offer constructive alternative solutions. Be proactive and try to provide innovative ideas and solutions.
   
4. Be understanding and realistic.
   Remember that your legislator represents a varied constituency. Try to understand his or her outlook or goal. There are no issues that are simply black and white and you should recognize that there are legitimate differences of opinion.
   
5. Make the decision on who should attend.
   While it is important that the proper information is presented to the Legislator, it is just as important to have that message delivered by the right person. Politicians are not swayed by large groups of people. A show of "force" does not get the job done like a good presentation will.

Taking Advantage of the "Big Day"

1. Show up on time!
   Remember that the Legislator has many responsibilities and is not totally in control of their own time. You should never be late to your appointment.
   
2. Make your presentation short and concise.
   Have written notes of the points you wish to make and use your notes.
   
3. Highlight the key points in the printed material.
   If the printed material you are distributing is lengthy, provide references to the key points. Because they have to deal with many, many other issues, there is a much better change that your material will be reviewed if it is condensed and concise.
   
4. Dress appropriately.
   Appearances are important. You should look professional and remember... you can only make a first impression once!
   
5. Make your point and stop.
   When you have provided all the information you can and any points you wish to make - close and stop. Your Legislator will appreciate your thoughtfulness in being as brief as possible.
   
6. Thank your elected official.
   Upon leaving your personal visits and as a written follow-up, thank your legislator for their time and support.
   
7. Additional tips - Don'ts.
   Don't mention past contributions.
   Don't threaten or offend.
   Don't be defensive, if questioned.
   Don't ever lie!