Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director of the Utah Association of Charter Schools, spoke on March 15 for the Public Affairs Lecture Series at BYU. He spoke about what life is like as a lobbyist, and director of Charter Schools. He said we have an extraordinary 135 Charter Schools in Utah, which give choice to students who do not prefer public schools.
He then delineated four “Flavors” of Lobbyists: Corporate Lobbyists, Think Tank Lobbyists, Industrial Association/Union Lobbyists, and Contract Lobbyists, each with a different role to play in promoting the agendas of different political interests. In order to be an influential lobbyist, he said, we need to gain trust, which is our biggest asset. He then gave four ways to earn the trust: First, feed your clients. They all need to eat. Second, entertain them, at golf other in other ways. It’s a great way to connect with people and to discuss important policy items in an informal setting. Third, help elect them. That will gain the most trust. Fourth, inform them. Good information is important to everyone, and if you deliver it, people will begin to rely on you and trust you.
Royce reviewed a day in the life of a lobbyist on Capitol Hill in Utah, similar to lobbyists everywhere including Washington, DC. It involves early reading and preparation in the morning, committee meetings, votes, lunch, more committee meetings, then time on the floor of the legislature.
Finally, Royce gave our students four points of advice: First, learn quantitative methods of analysis; Second, write precisely and concisely; Third, know all sides of an argument better than anyone else (that’s what a good advocate does); Fourth, separate policy from people—don’t hate the person, and make friends with opponents. Fifth, assume that the other side has good intentions until they prove you wrong. Most of the time, political people are honest and open. However, sometimes they burn you. That may be intentional, or circumstantial (out of their control). Sixth, and lastly, he recommended that we listen to news stories both federal, state and local. Listen and learn! Listen, listen, listen! Relationships matter, and listening can build relationships.
His lecture was a fascinating view into the life of a successful lobbyist, and into the Utah Charter School system. Thank you, Royce, for an amazing look into the political process.