VCC Magazine Fall 2018

V irginia C apitol C onnections , F all 2018 19 The Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language defines the word “lobby” as “an entrance hall, a foyer, or an open room used as a waiting room or passageway in a theater, apartment building, or hotel; an anteroom open to the public, that is connected to a meeting place of a legislature.” A second definition by Webster states that the word means “a person or group of people, representing special interests, who endeavor, by personal persuasion, to influence legislators’ voting policies and other decision-making; to try to influence, as lawmakers; to back, or try to secure passage of, as to lobby a bill.” The following are some basic principles I have found useful since first working with members of the General Assembly as a staff member 45 years ago. It’s been my privilege to have contact with the House of Delegates, Senate, gubernatorial administrations, lieutenant governors, and attorneys general as a registered lobbyist or volunteer legislative chair/advocate for a Virginia trade association, public utility, board of visitors, chambers of commerce, and county civic federation. My top 10 lobbying rules: 1. You can make a difference! 2. For organizations, a well-functioning legislative committees a must. It gives structure and an ongoing nature to your work, increasing credibility and visibility. 3. Lobbying is a year-round opportunity. Start thinking about what you want next Session in April; December is too late, especially with the pre-filing process. 4. Build coalitions at every opportunity. 5. Part of life is being there in Richmond, to both monitor and advocate. Familiarity breeds contempt? No, it builds relationships. 6. Every member of the General Assembly is important, especially when party control is close. 7. Never burn bridges: Remember, there’s always tomorrow’s issues, coalitions, and votes. 8. Subcommittees and committees are important, as well as the floor debates and votes. Two members may decide the fate of a bill at a 7:00 a.m. subcommittee session. 9. Don’t forget the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. They have the power of persuasion, as well as the power of veto, amendments, tie-breaking votes, or a legal opinion on whether something you want is constitutional, respectively. 10. Seize the moment to discuss and lobby. You never know when you’ll have the chance, and never underestimate the opportunity you can create to lobby your governing body, school board, General Assembly members, or statewide officials. You may unexpectedly see them at a grocery store, coffee shop, or other community location, as well as in legislative hallways and their offices. 11.Never have more than 10 rules! Scott McGeary has been involved with the Virginia General Assembly for 45 years, when he served as a Legislative Assistant to a House of Delegates Member. A registered lobbyist since 1984, he has represented trade association and utility interests in Richmond, and is Secretary of Arlington County’s Electoral Board. Working with the General Assembly BY SCOTT M c GEARY Parking available adjacent to building Phone 804-644-1702 FAX: 804-644-1703 E-Mail: thecitybar1548@gmail.com Web Site: www.whitehousecateringva.com hen it comes to events no one throws a party like David Napier. Known throughout Central Virginia for his wonderful food and hospitality, David is delighted to have opened his catering facility in the heart of Shockoe Bottom. No event is too small or large. Delicious Box Lunches delivered. O ne of Richmond’s most elegant dining rooms is now exclusively available for your private parties and special events. Our award winning chefs produce an array of dishes from steaks and seafood to vegetarian and international masterpieces that will satisfy the most discriminating palate. The Old City Bar is the perfect place to celebrate. V