Masonry Magazine March 2003 Page. 12
Government Affairs
Meeting Your Representatives
Marian Marshall
Director, MCAA Government Affairs
Senator John Breaux (D-LA) loves to tell the story of one of his first constituent encounters after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972. As Senator Breaux tells it, Louisiana had recently been the victim of some torrential rain, resulting in flooding and significant property damage. One day soon after the rainstorms, a constituent phoned-we'll call him Mr. Davis-and asked to speak to then-Representative Breaux. Mr. Davis told Mr. Breaux that he was calling because the rains had swelled so much that he had water all over his yard and up to his front porch and he was worried it was going to cause further damage to his house and groundwater supplies. Naturally, Mr. Breaux was very sympathetic, but inquired as to why this gentleman was calling him. Mr. Breaux said, "I'm in the U.S. Congress now; you need to speak to someone locally like the mayor." The man replied, "Well, I didn't know I had to start at the top."
This is just one example of how many people deal with their elected officials in Washington. People outside the beltway aren't always sure who to call, so their gut instinct directs them to the US Capitol. Senators and Representatives are Zen-like after all! So what if your member of Congress isn't the right person to call-and obviously they'll tell you that immediately, you can be assured of getting some attention and ultimately the help or advice you need.
Why am I telling you this story? Because I hope each and every one of you who reads this article (or hears about it by word of mouth) will make the effort to get to know your Senators, Congressman and locally elected officials. You just never know when that relationship might pay off.
There are numerous ways you can connect with those representatives. First and foremost, find out who represents your district. See if they have an office near you. Then pick up the phone and call. Chat with the staff. Tell them who you are, what you do, where you live and that you are interested in coming in to see the member the next time he's in the area. Even better, if you have plans to be in Washington and can see them then.
If you are unable to make a special appointment or don't want to because you really have nothing legitimate to discuss aside from simply introducing yourself, that's fine, too. Take it another step.
Find out if that member is going to have a Town Hall meeting in the near future. If so, make an effort to attend.
If you can't get in touch with your local representative immediately, find out who it is on their staff that deals with issues of interest to you and your organization.
Town Hall meetings are very informal, but one of the absolute best ways to get to know your representative on a one-on-one basis. When members are outside D.C., on their home turf, away from the rigors of their daily Washington schedule, they are much more relaxed. They don't have to make phone calls, worry about the next committee meeting or constituent appointment, or wonder whether or not they'll have to vote late, and thus have to reschedule or go late to a dinner or fundraising event. They are in friendly territory to tell you what's going on in the U.S. Capitol and find out what's on your mind.
Even if you don't participate in the discussions at the meeting, introduce yourself to the member and his or her staff afterwards. Make a point of telling them that you are happy to have them representing you and appreciate their support of a particular issue (hopefully you do) and suggest that you'd like to help in some way with the next campaign. You can bet that will catch their ear and the staff will be all over you for contact information before you can blink an eye.
Before long, you'll be getting more invitations to fundraisers and Town Hall meetings than you ever dreamed of-or probably ever wanted! But if you get engaged in those activities, you'll be glad you did because sooner or later, you'll