Local Politics (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
quires some kind of “early warning system” that issues an alert when controversial proposals first arise. There are many ways to create such a system. One is to get on mailing lists maintained by local and state legisla- tors, community and trade associations, and towns them- selves. “Local communities are required by law in most states to publish their calendars of events and information on what they’re doing,” said Ennico. “So find your town’s web- site, bookmark it, and make a point to check in and see what’s going on at least once a week. What committees are meeting? Civic associations such as the Jaycees, Rotary, Lions Club, and Kiwanis can also provide conduits to news about proposed regulations. “Local organizations are often made up of business owners and can provide a platform to discuss legislation,”
an effective business ambassador, though, requires lay- ing a bit of groundwork. And that means acquiring a solid grounding in a town’s political dynamics. “Business owners should get to know the structure of their local government and who is responsible for making what decisions,” said Dr John P. Pelissero, Director of Gov- ernment Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. “Knowing what each official’s duties are, and whether they have a role in regulating a certain area, will facilitate efficient interactions and the provision of useful information.” Identifying the “movers and shakers” who should get the business perspective on a proposed ordinance is one thing. Reaching them in time is another. To get wind of pro- posed legislation in advance of its passage into law re-
said Nancy Bocskor, Development Direc- tor of Business For America. So-called “hyperlocal” websites, often maintained by weekly digital newspapers, also publish alerts about town proposals. Reaching Out Establishing an early dialog with pol- iticians can facilitate effective communi- cation down the road when controversial regulatory proposals arise. The good news is that local officials are a lot easier to deal with than their federal counterparts. “People who run for local office are very approachable, because most of them really do care about their communities,” said Ennico. “For most of them, politics is not a steppingstone to higher office. Many times, they are business owners them- selves, so already you share some com- mon interests. Other times, they are attor- neys looking to expand their network.” One way to get known among local representatives is to speak up at town meetings, where every effort should be made to shake hands and make a person- al introduction. “Maybe it seems old fashioned in this digital age, but in-person communication with local public officials can be a very powerful way to get things done,” said at- torney Sean W. Hadley, a lecturer of public policy at Rutgers University. Effective business ambassadors are knowledgeable about local affairs. “Busi- ness owners should be as knowledgeable and informed as possible about what’s go- ing on in city government,” said Pelissero. “Members of the city council and county boards want to make sure the people that CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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