New Jersey Library Trustee Institute

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