County Commission | The Magazine January February 2018 | Page 25

FROM THE COVER Developing Good Legislative Relationships Y ou’ve already saved legislators’ cell numbers and email addresses in your phone. You previewed important county issues with members of your county’s delegation before the session began. Now what? Here are some professional-level tips from Chase Cobb, ACCA Governmental Relations Manager, Twitter @ChaseCobb67 DURING THE SESSION Keep up with how your legislators vote on county issues – both in committee and on the House/Senate floor. Remember to say “thank you” when they support counties. If they tell you they are going to vote one way but end up voting another way, reach out to them to discuss why they changed their mind. To feel more comfortable making contact with legislators, you can: 1) Review the ACCA- prepared“ blue sheet” summaries of the bill beforehand; 2) Contact an ACCA policy team member for clarification if you have questions; 3) Don’t panic if a legislator asks a question you can’t answer. Respond by saying, “I’m not sure about that, but I will find out and get back in touch with you.” Then contact the ACCA policy team for additional information. If your legislator sits on a committee that will review an ACCA bill or a DANGER bill, speak with your legislator about how the bill would impact counties. Then ask them to support your position. Keep the lines of communication open with your local legislators throughout the legislative session -- by social media, phone call, text, email AND face-to-face contact. Keep the ACCA staff informed about where your legislators stand on county issues. And if you and one of your legislators develop a strained relationship, work to repair it as quickly as possible. Attend your ACCA County Day. You are encouraged to contact the legislator(s) you want to meet with at least ONE WEEK prior to your visit to ensure they schedule time for you. And make sure key staff attend as well. AFTER THE SESSION Follow up with legislators to thank them for their support. Engage them about their overall impression of the legislative session – and promise to work with them on local issues throughout the year. n Architecture, Civil Engineering, Municipal Engineering, Community Planning, Environmental, Geotechnical, Landscape, Surveying, GIS, Airports and Transportation Goodwyn Mills Cawood www.gmcnetwork.com COUNTY COMMISSION | 25