How to Make the Most of Your Legislator
Susan Mann

Tenacity! The single most important quality needed to develop a good working relationship with your legislator.

Your goal is to have your representative or senator know you on sight and remember the issues that are near and dear to your heart — libraries. To accomplish this goal, a concerted effort must be made to seek out and meet your legislators every chance you get. If they are speaking at a function in or near your community, go hear them. Attempt to speak to them, both before and after the function, each time making sure to look them in the eye and shake their hand. Introduce yourself at each function and continually mention you are with the local school library or public library.

An important key to gaining and retaining their support is hosting them in your library as often as possible. Be sure they understand the important role the library plays in your community by explaining the many services provided. [Left: Rep. Elliott Naishtat (Austin) visits the Electronic Library]

Know the issues the legislators are interested in or issues in which they have been actively involved. Make sure you are able to carry on a conversation on many topics in addition to the library issues. When possible, show them how their interests relate to library issues.

Senator David Sibley of Waco, for example, was a key player in the telecommunications legislation passed in the last session and continues as a leader in this session. When meeting the senator, I contact TLA or check the TLA Web page for current information on telecommunications and offer my opinion. In recent meetings, the discussions have centered on issues relating to the TIF Board and the TIF Master Plan and what effect it is having on our local schools and joint school library funding.

It is okay to disagree with a legislator's opinion, but don't cross the line and become confrontational. You may not change the legislators' minds with your position, but you can give them "food for thought."

Keeping in touch with your legislators is a year-round obligation. State representatives are elected for two-year terms and state senators for four-year terms. While the Legislature only meets 140 days every other year, legislators are on the job throughout their term to represent you, their constituent. During the interim, research library issues identified through TLA and begin to lay the groundwork with your legislators to have the issues addressed through legislation when the next session begins.

Just as important as knowing your legislators is knowing their aides and office staff. Often this will be your key to getting to speak to their boss or have relevant legislation reviewed and introduced. Aides and staffers can open many doors for you, if they wish.

During election season, go to the campaign speeches and functions for all candidates. By asking questions, candidates learn who you are early and already have an understanding of what issues are important to you if they are elected.

As a final note, always dress professionally and appropriately; be friendly and pleasant; and always smile and have fun while talking to them. Working for legislative issues, whether in Austin or in Washington, can be most rewarding as new laws further libraries and the library profession.