Chamber’s Civic College provides answers and solutions. Part 1 of 2.
by Katie Kieffer
Introductory note: I recently attended a three-day “Civic College” course sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Realtors and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. We received instruction from current and former elected officials, lobbyists, medial and PR professionals and campaign fundraising consultants. I gained valuable insight into life as a public servant, why business people should run for office, media relations and Minnesota’s voting demographics. I’ll share my top takeaways from Civic College in two parts. This is part one.
Have you ever wished that government was run more like a business? Do you trust business decisions more than political, bureaucratic decisions? Business folks are in the minority in the Minnesota state legislature.
As Senator Geoff Michel (Edina, MN) told my Civic College class on Aug. 20, 2009: “I’m one of the few Senators that actually have a real job. I don’t think that’s good or healthy. I’m 45. I’d guess the average age in the legislature is 60. I would very strongly argue that we need business perspective at the (MN) Capital – not just (the perspective) of people who have retired” or those who lack business experience entirely. He continued, “You get the kind of government that you deserve. Both parties need more people who can provide generational diversity and a business perspective.”
If you’re a young businessperson, there isn’t a lot of incentive to run for public office. At first glance, it seems crazy to give up a well-paying job in the private sector for a public service role that pays about sixteen cents an hour. Why would a businessperson – particularly one far from retirement – want to trade their private life for a life of public scrutiny, little pay, thankless work and a roller coaster life of emotional ups and downs? Here are some reasons:
First, as Rick Collins, Regional Director of Management for Ryan Companies US, Inc. stated in his column in the Summer 2009 issue of the NAIOP Universe newsletter: “…if you feel the call, run for an elected office. Any office will do—might be City Council, School Board, etc. We are all better off with representatives who understand our business, and business in general.” Collins’ point is the reason Civic College was initiated in the first place.
Your small business – whether you’re a developer, a broker or a small-business owner leasing commercial real estate space – will benefit from a healthy business environment in Minnesota. You don’t need to serve for life – you can serve a successful term. In other words, your brief stint in public policy where you make a positive impact on the small business environment – such as advocating for lower property taxes – will directly impact your own small business.
Second, it is possible to maintain your private sector job and your family life while in public office. Yes, it’s difficult, but with planning and support it can be done. Elected officials from both the Republican and DFL parties told my Civic College class that it’s essential to have the support of two people before you consider running for office: Your spouse and your boss. Many officials said that they successfully use technology to keep up with their regular job during your session. It’s also an option to consider asking your employer if there is someone who can help cover for you during session.
Third, the business community doesn’t have the right to complain about the current tax or economic environment unless it’s willing to support experienced businesspeople in their runs for public office. As Representative Steve Gottwalt of St. Cloud, MN stated, “If you’re sitting on the sideline or think it’s (the political system) is beyond repair, you’re part of the problem. As we get more people like you (business-minded people) involved, we are working toward a solution. Don’t believe all the headlines – there’s a lot of opportunity to change things. Positive improvements are happening all the time in a bipartisan way that we never hear about.”
Fourth, if you’re a business person, there are many resources out there to help ease your transition and manage your life while serving in public office:
- Many representatives who have retained their day jobs are happy to help you. Rep. Gottwalt, for example, repeatedly stated that both he and his employer would be happy to talk to anyone who’s interested in running for office.
- The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has the ability to help financially back your candidacy through their PAC.
- The Chamber also has staff and contacts who are willing to answer questions you or your employer might have regarding a run for public office.
- Representative Sarah Anderson (Plymouth, MN) said, “Have the Governor talk to your boss if they’re from the same party. Or, ask the House Leader or the Chamber to talk to your boss.” These conversations can have a huge impact in helping you garner your employer’s support.
- Representative Ryan Winkler (Golden Valley, MN) said that if you do a good job for your constituents, are organized and set your limits on the amount of time you spend at the Capital, public service is manageable. You actually have more control and flexibility over your schedule than you might think, so if you’re technology savvy, productive and manage your time well, it’s possible to maintain your day job and serve as an elected official.
We will all benefit personally and professionally if we have more business representation at the Capital: We’ll have more diversity of backgrounds and hence better discussion, debate and ideas coming out of government. Our economy will improve when our government has more decision-makers who understand economic cycles and what it takes to keep employers and job-creators in Minnesota.
Civic College opened my eyes to how important it is for the small business community to step up to the plate and support its leaders to run for office. I’d encourage you to attend upcoming sessions of Civic College whether or not you have an interest in running for office.
Please let me know what you think. What steps do you think can we take – individually and as young professionals – to get more business representation in our government?
