Often, what happens in government at any level is very confusing. At times it can be frustrating just trying to communicate with elected officials or talk to people who run government agencies.
With city and county governments, it can be up close and personal. Decision-makers are here and they meet year around on a regular basis. If we need to talk to somebody, it usually is much easier than when we need to sit down with a member of the legislature or a state bureaucrat.
The state capitol in Tallahassee is a boring three hour drive away; the legislature meets in the spring; everything seems to happen in rapid fire fashion, and keeping up can be a real challenge. It takes a real commitment to devote the time and attention needed to stay on top of issues important to our industries and us. It’s a big personal investment to try and have an impact.
That’s why I want to salute and thank all of the people in the real estate and building associations who made the journey to Tallahassee this year to stand up for our professions.
Both associations sponsor lobbying days in Tallahassee, which were coincidently on the same day this spring. Legislators got a double bang from us. And, both associations pay lobbyists to make our views known. Our lobbyists do a great job.
But, we’ve learned over time that just employing a lobbyist is not enough. The impact of having visits from like the members of our associations who are personally and professionally impacted by what goes on in state government is extremely effective.
David Hart, the chief lobbyist for the Florida Homes Builders Association, sent this message to his members: “While FHBA’s team of legislative professionals is working hard to ensure your voices are heard at the Capitol, we know there is no better representative of the industry than you – a FHBA member.”
You can insert “Florida Realtors” for FHBA and it would be the same. That personal contact, whether by a visit or phone, even email, does make a difference. If legislators only hear from lobbyists, it’s easier for them to think that the rest of us don’t really care.
Elected officials depend on lobbyists for information. But it’s people at home-often their constituents-who really count. When you take your time to travel to Tallahassee it matters.
Thus far in this session of the legislature, there has been nothing of a do-or-die nature that’s come up. But, that doesn’t mean that as the clock winds down it can’t happen. We need to always remain vigilant.
And, you know, we have a lot of friends in the Florida Legislature. It never hurts to let them know we appreciate what they do for the state’s citizens, and especially on behalf of our industries.
So, start thinking now about next spring when the 2011 edition of the Florida Legislature is in session. Be prepared to stand up for our associations, and be ready to make the trek to Tallahassee.
- Jim Bailey is president of Bailey Publishing & Communications and publisher of Realty/Builder Connection.