Attending the OPASTCO/WTA Legislative & Regulatory Conference Benefits Telcos and Vendors Alike

by Lou Mize, ElectriCom Director of Market Development

In May, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., as I have done each year for the past four.  The purpose of my visit was to accompany some of our customers as they met with members of Congress to discuss issues that affect their interests, and, by extension, ElectriCom’s.  The experience continues to be as eye-opening today as it was the very first time.

We usually meet with the staff legislative assistant (LA) of Congressmen or Senators to discuss the issues affecting the industry.  Sometimes we get to see the member’s chief of staff, and on occasion the member himself.  I have been surprised at the various levels of understanding we’ve encountered in our meetings, which ranges from very well informed to basically zero awareness and grasp of what we deem important.  I guess that shouldn’t be amazing, given that Congressional staffers generally remain only 18 months before moving on.  It doesn’t give them much time to learn about the effects of legislation and regulation in our complicated world.

For the most part, the members and chiefs of staff appear interested, ask pertinent questions, and leave you with the feeling that they’re glad you came.  Many of the LA’s are in sponge mode and suck up as much information as they can.  There is an occasional exception t the above, but not often.  The members rely heavily on the LA for issue-specific information, and that can have an enormous influence on the member’s downstream actions.

Given the times, I would urge you to express your views on current industry issues as well as those such as health care and the economy.  The outcomes in these areas may have enormous consequences for your families and friends.  Many of the issues may ultimately affect ElectriCom’s survival.  Adding your voice may make a difference.  At the very least, e-mail or call your Congressperson and Senators with your concerns.  Be sure you tell them how their vote and/or influence may affect your, your family and your company.  It is more important than ever that you keep in touch with these people, because you can count on others who don’t share your views doing so.  If your voice isn’t heard, who knows what kind of law or regulatory ruling you or your loved ones may be dealing with down the road.