Feature

Public Policy Benefits from Lobbyists, Say Experts

Harris School mentors met with a group of students as part of the Career Services Real World Perspectives series, the second of four discussions on different topics. The panelists disputed negative connotations associated with lobbying. As experts in their respective fields, they take pride in educating legislators and advocating for positive changes in their industries.

"My concern is that the word 'lobbyist' gets battered," said Larry Suffredin, Cook County Commissioner for the 13th District and a lobbyist. "I experienced this last year, when I ran for State's Attorney. My four opponents blasted me for the clients that I represent. But I won't apologize for them, because I believe people have the right to be represented."

Kevin Conlon, president of Conlon Public Strategies and a lecturer at the Harris School, added, "lobbyists provide a level of insight to a policy area that ... a staffer [cannot]." Scientists, for example, regularly travel to Washington to lobby legislators on the issues affected by their field of expertise.

Lobbyists work to increase support for the issues they represent. One key practice, panelists agreed, is building and maintaining networks of people both inside and outside government. "You can never fully know how [these networks] will create a fabric for you moving forward," said Kelly King Dibble, a registered lobbyist and senior vice president and director of public affairs and government relations at Northern Trust. Dibble's career has spanned real estate, public housing advocacy, community development, and financial services. Explaining the value of networks to any career, she described how she relied on relationships from previous roles to establish her reputation and credentials as she transitioned into a new industry.

One successful practice in lobbying includes connecting clients with legislators. John Peller, MPP'00, director of government relations at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, said that "connecting people living with HIV or AIDS with legislators makes it more personal and more real for the elected officials... so when they see me, they think of the people in their community."

But educating representatives about the issues is not the only function of a lobbyist, Peller added. Much of his work lies in teaching his clients how to speak authoritatively about their issue. "They need to know the facts and not only speak emotionally," he said, which makes for a stronger case to present to the legislator.

Another part of connecting with elected officials is for interest groups and the lobbyists who represent them to find those policymakers who can champion their cause, often because of a shared interest. Illinois State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, for instance, is an advocate for adoption-related issues because she was adopted herself. Such champions, like Feigenholtz, can be an important asset in mobilizing government support.

"Third parties are often great advocates for your solution. It is smart to do things under the auspices of a coalition," said Peller. This allows lobbyists to tap into new networks for support and to diffuse criticism.

Suffredin concluded by reiterating his three core principles of lobbying: "Educate policymakers, advocate for a cause, and make sure that what you've advocated solves some problem." Following these principles, he said, allows lobbyists to stick to their morals and strengthen public policy.

By Elizabeth Vivirito