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New Jersey Library Trustee Institute

New Jersey Library Trustee Institute. Connecting With Elected Officials Committeeman Kevin M. Nedd (I) Township of Washington (Morris) September 28, 2007. Agenda. Understanding Elected Officials Develop a Strategy Making a Case Meeting 101 Ad-Hoc Communications Follow up and Follow up

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New Jersey Library Trustee Institute

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  1. New Jersey Library Trustee Institute Connecting With Elected Officials Committeeman Kevin M. Nedd (I) Township of Washington (Morris) September 28, 2007

  2. Agenda • Understanding Elected Officials • Develop a Strategy • Making a Case • Meeting 101 • Ad-Hoc Communications • Follow up and Follow up • Don’ts

  3. Understanding Elected Officials • We tend to have big egos. • We have a lot to do, and not a lot of time in which to do it. • Relationships are important as we often rely on others for information and advice. • We want every constituent to think his or her interests are being represented. • Trust is our primary currency. • Yes we want to be re-elected!

  4. Develop a strategy • Target specific officials on the governing body • Do we have relevant interests or values? • Have we voiced or made statements you can build on? • Grab hold of “rookies” looking to make a good first impression. • Don’t forget about those seeking election. • Know their position on libraries • Who supports and opposes you? • What are your oppositions issues, and how can they be neutralized?

  5. Develop a strategy (cont.) • Know the politics • Who are the key players and what are their relationships to the officials you’re targeting? • Identify potential allies or opponents who have influence with officials. • Do a self assessment • What are the strengths and weaknesses of your library? • Be prepared to promote where you are strong and defend where improvement is needed as this will build credibility.

  6. Making a Case • Appeal to our self-interests by explaining how your issue will effect our constituents in ways we should be concerned about. • Never forget the straight out appeal to reason and common sense. • Bear in mind that what makes sense to you, may seem misguided if I have different beliefs. • Appeal to ideology when you know my particular political philosophy as it might be useful to frame your issue in terms I aspire to uphold.

  7. Meeting 101 • Don’t assume we know what you are talking about. • Public officials often won’t tell if we don’t • Start by talking about the issue and it’s importance • If we do know the issue, then be brief and tell us something new we may not be aware of • Ask direct questions and wait for an answer. • Even if it means sitting through a silence • If we don’t answer, rephrase the question • If we are unwilling to answer, ask why • Ask for a demonstration of support. • Don’t let us get away with just agreeing with you • Make sure we commit to taking a specific action • If you get a “No”, understand what it means.

  8. Ad-hoc Communications • If we have an official phone number and/or email address, use it. • Avoid calls to our home/cell phones unless we have invited you to do so. • Once you do connect, be direct and succinct • What is the issue you are contacting me about? Why is it important? • What is it you want me to do? • What will happen if I don’t intercede? • Pass on information needed to help you. • Contact names • Phone numbers • Important facts that help your case

  9. Follow Up and Follow Up • If an we are noncommittal, or if you think we can be swayed to support your position, continue to apply pressure. • If we give a commitment of support, send a letter affirming your understanding of what was agreed to. • Stay in touch by phone/email until action is taken by vote or a completed activity. • Sometimes commitments get broken…you want to be among the first to know. • No matter what the outcome, send a thank you note.

  10. Don’ts • Never lie • Be scrupulous with facts (no matter how small) • Your creditability is shot as soon as you say something an official knows is not true • Never make a threat • You should hold us accountable for our actions • However it won’t help your cause to threaten that we will never win re-election, for example • Don’t make it personal, or take it personally • Always be professional as it is expected of your organization • It’s okay to be passionate, but there is a line

  11. Questions

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