In the public interest
Godfrey, A. W.
IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST A.W. G o dfrey am a part-time lobbyist for I my union, a teachers' union. For most of us, the term lobbyist sets up an unpleasant image of someone prowling the halls...
...Democracy is a complicated process and the playing field is rarely level...
...It probably ought to be otherwise...
...Many of them are intelligent, principled individuals who chose public service, even though they could have succeeded in any number of other careers...
...Veterans' groups, some sporting ill-fitting World War II uniforms, fill legislators' offices to promote their benefits or maintain exemptions...
...Many of the lobbyists I have met are former legislators who lost elections or who "retired" after their pensions were vested...
...If you are prudent, early appointments will have been made on the higher floors, later ones lower down...
...Often they work for lobbying firms, where they serve as the heavy hitters who have instant access and help write legislation that may further the cause of the interests they represent...
...The legislators themselves are a cross section of society--some are sophisticated and urbane, with a good grasp of the issues...
...But there is another side to the coin: Lobbyists often provide legislators with information and feedback that the lawmakers could not easily obtain from other sources...
...The price for these receptions varies with the influence of the host...
...Then the other side of the legislative process begins---fi.mdraisers and receptions...
...They can be well or thinly attended, depending on the importance or seniority of the host...
...By 2 P.M., the halls thin out and it becomes possible for staff members to get some legislative work done until about 5 P.M...
...It is completely a volunteer job, one, I believe, that is in the public interest...
...During my state's legislative season, I am in the capital, Albany, three or four times a month, asking legislators to restore funding and status to public higher education...
...Commonweal 4 7 February 11, 2000...
...Lobbyists, after all need to stay in business...
...The pervasive negative view of lobbyists is partly deserved: Lobbyists often have an inside track on legislators and legislation...
...Majority senators and committee chairs do better: They have choicer venues, and often a sit-down meal...
...Their agendas bump against those of the police and firemen's unions, welfarerights groups, senior citizens, and small-business groups...
...Officially, that is the day legislators see their constituents...
...Invitees have the option of simply sending money...
...I would argue that lobbying is not necessarily bad...
...Always, competing groups for public and private education are looking for increased funding...
...if they decide not to attend, they are assured of being recognized anyway...
...Generally, fellow legislators amble through to show support and to have a drink or a snack...
...It is not only the rightness of the cause that makes lobbying so interesting to me, but the theater-of-the-absurd atmosphere that takes place every Tuesday when the legislature is in session...
...The right-to-life people, often accompanied by clergy, run into the prochoice people with the "sensible shoes"--all with large buttons and appropriate slogans...
...In general the senators seem more impressive than members of the Assembly...
...Some are committed to party discipline...
...Access to legislators is important--and all constituents have it to a limited degree yet money and the ability to deliver votes are factors that understandably have particular sway with elected officials...
...Often these gatherings are held in dimly lit rooms with portable bars and chafing dishes of chicken fingers, meatballs, cheese cubes, and dip...
...Sometimes this input is skewed, but rarely is it wrong...
...others are less polished and not so well prepared...
...These take place at various sites within walking distance of the LOB itself...
...Your importance can usually be gauged by the seniority of the aide assigned to you or your group...
...Beginning at about 10 A.M., various interest groups converge on the Legislative Office Building (LOB), disgorged from buses, cabs, and private vehicles...
...They sponsor breakfasts, receptions, or dinners at the better clubs and hotels, where they present their agendas in a more genteel atmosphere...
...others promise to study an issue further, or to support it when it comes to a vote...
...After 10 A.M., every hallway and office is crammed with people and causes...
...And then there are the high rollers, representing chambers of commerce, big business, the health-care, banking, and insurance industries...
...Still, the process works, and I am not unhappy that my lobbying over the years has led to personal relationships with various legislators...
...For most of us, the term lobbyist sets up an unpleasant image of someone prowling the halls of political power, using underhanded methods, and seeking unfair advantage...
...Albany's LOB has nine floors to accommodate offices and committee rooms...
...the wait for an elevator can be long...
...Some years, tenants' groups are in abundance...
...In fact, a great deal of good comes from raising the consciousness of our elected representatives...
...Since they represent larger constituencies and are not as readily available, the lobbyist is more likely to see an aide who takes copious notes and promises to deliver the message...
...They appear much less strident, and often have appointments with legislators far from the hubbub of the LOB...
...Godfrey lectures in classics and comparative studies at the State University of New York at Stony Brook...
Vol. 127 • February 2000 • No. 3
