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“All Politics is Local!”
A primer on communicating effectively with legislators
Seems To Me...
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he county government – legislative relationship boils documentation and expert informadown to the reality that “all politics is local!” The phrase tion to legislators for or against legis“all politics is local” has been a common phrase in U.S. lation that affects county government politics for decades. The former Speaker of the U.S. — the level of government closest House Tip O’Neill is most closely associated with this phrase, which and most responsive to the people. It encapsulates the principle that a politician’s success is directly tied is, in fact, the responsibility of county to the person’s ability to understand and influence the issues of their officials to do so. constituents. An elected official must appeal to the everyday conThe crux of this article is not cerns of those who elect them to office. about conservative, liberal or moderWith the rise of the Tea Party in 2010, it was argued, “all politics ate politics but that “politicians” Eddie A. Jones is national.” It’s a good twist, and it has a ring to it. But don’t be County Consultant — your House and Senate members too quick to believe it over the long haul. Although many lo— are much more responsive to cal, district and statewide candidates run on national issues, even their “home folks.” Here are a few though they can do very little if anything about those issues, tips when communicating with your legislators, starting with the nothing changes the fact that in November the votes will be cast most important. by individuals for individuals running for individual district and statewide offices. Candidates who ignore the fact that “local Get to Know Your Legislators: It is important to become well concerns” must be taken acquainted with your legislators before care of — if elected won’t you actually need something from stay elected if they ignore them. Help them to gain confidence local issues. with whom you are and what you have To most lawmakers, to say. From the end of one session to what “the folks back the beginning of the next, you should home” think about be looking for opportunities to interact legislative issues is often he work of lobbying the legwith your legislators. Invite them to far more important than islature continues throughout visit with you at the courthouse. Show positions taken by groups them county government in action and like the Association of the year. While the work at the explain the challenges that counties Arkansas Counties. The AAC staff talks with face. Meet with your legislators regularcapitol during session is the most visible, your legislators about ly before, during and after the session. bills of interest to our the “off season” is busy as well. Bottom line — establish a rapport with membership, and we the representatives and senators that advance AAC positions represent your county so they will be in committee meetings. more accepting of your message when We provide information the time comes for requesting a vote as requested and help for or against an important issue. lawmakers prepare information for debate. We Provide Facts with Documentaare the facilitators — YOU as county officials are the key lobbyists tion Whenever Possible: One of the first things a lawmaker wants in the legislative process. to know about a bill is how it will impact his or her county. When The work of lobbying the legislature continues throughout the AAC sends out a message to “contact your legislator,” your email year. While the work at the capitol during session is the most visor phone conversation will always be stronger if you can illustrate ible, the “off-season” is busy as well. Currently, the AAC process the message with specific facts regarding how the legislation will for developing legislative objectives and priorities for the 2015 impact your county — revenues lost or gained … or the costs of a regular session is well underway. AAC staff and the AAC Legislaproposed mandate on your county. tive Committee work hard all year to ensure that county issues get a fair hearing by state legislators, but the best tool in the tool kit is Be Persistent — But Brief and Succinct: Tell your legislators YOU — the county officials who can lobby and explain how the what you want repeatedly and succinctly. Don’t assume they know specifics of policy decisions made by state government will impact what your issues and needs are. But remember legislators are inuncounty government. dated with information from multiple sources. More is not necesLobby — I keep using that term that seems to have negative sarily better. A lengthy letter or email may get placed in a pile with connotations among many … but it shouldn’t. To lobby is simply “to try to influence public officials on behalf of or against proposed good intentions to read later — never to be seen again. Then your opportunity to make your point is lost. legislation.” It is indeed noble for county officials to provide facts,
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COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2014
