This is my second attempt to send this ---
The VRC thought this input should be shared with the entire Board.
Enjoy!
73,
Wade W0EJ
To the VRC--
In order to assist SMs in selecting an SGL, we asked
experienced people to tell us what traits are good for an SGL candidate
to have. John Hennessee posted a
request on the SGL Reflector (SMs who are interested in SGL
issues monitor this reflector) and on the Ham Law Reflector. He asked
readers to write about
traits their good SGLs possess. Below are the responses. We
will also ask others (such as Chris Imlay) to review the comments, and
think about other
ways/things to aid the SMs.
73, Rosalie, K1STO
--------------Responses-----------
From George Tranos N2GA (Section Manager and Section Govt
Liaison for NYC/LI)
The SGL must be familiar with the local laws regarding antenna
support structures. He or she must strive to stay abreast of any
developments which could affects
the ability of the radio amateur to put up antennas or
towers. The SGL must be willing to fight for Amateur Radio. This
includes lobbying on behalf of the ARRL,
participating in zoning variance hearings and assisting other
members. The SGL must recruit and train LGL's. The SGL should work
closely with the Section
Manager and Division Director to insure a unified approach to
government relations.
-----------------------
From Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF
Hi John,
It was good to see you at Dayton! Here are my $0.02 on SGL
qualifications.
1 - political savvy
An SGL must have a keen sense of what makes political sense.
This includes an understanding of what can and cannot be
accomplished.
2 - political connections
Being a political insider counts for a great deal. If not an
insider, then the SGL should possess the tools (demeanor,
persistence, etc.) to become an insider.
3 - commitment
The things that an SGL tries to accomplish are often long term
objectives. With political initiatives, a change in the
point person (the SGL) often means going back to square one.
-------------------
From John Hennessee, N1KB
An SGL needs to be someone who knows how the state legislative
process works, is comfortable and professional in speaking to state
legislators, someone who
works well with amateurs, is articulate and stays focussed on
the issue at hand. The SGL needs to be active on the SMs cabinet and
maintain close contact with
the SM and, where necessary, the Director and Vice Director.
The SGL needs to be aware of state legislative resources and constantly
be on the lookout for
items that may adversely affect Amateur Radio. One big item
over the past few years for SGLs is the introduction of cellular
telephone laws requiring that the
person keep both hands on the steering wheel of a vehicle. It
is not unusual to see these bills crafted in such a way as to limit
Amateur Radio in the process; there
is one such bill in Massachusetts at present. SGLs work with
the SM in helping obtain state statutes codifying PRB-1 and thus far, 19
states have such legislation.
Some legal background is also helpful for an SGL to possess.
-----------------
From Don, W9IXG (SM, Wisc)
John, Im not sure if our SGL responded but I will say that
the SGL must not only be a good, composed speaker but must be willing to
"work" within the structure of State
government. That means, not yanking chains too hard, knowing
when to push and when to back off and "speak softly but carry a big
stick".
Being polished, professional, and tactful is very important to
get our way within government. Not many have that quality- hence why SGL
is a tough position to fill.
---------------------
From Joe Phillips, SM of Ohio
John
This reply complies with your request for a SGL
description.
First, understand I am speaking from the perspective of
Ohio Section which covers a large and very diverse state - Ohio.
There are three distinct and separate duties of an SGL
which suggests this job may better served by appointing three people.
First, an SGL might live (same local as state capital)
near the state assembly and state government. This allows the SGL to
moniter laws in the
state and have access to laws being proposed by local
townships, cities, counties and boards of zoning appeals. A watchdog for
proposed laws
affecting our hobby,
Second, a spokesman for ham radio and the law to keep
hams aware of what is proposed and direct any "citizen action" hams may
need to
take. Be the top speaker on antenna legislation and the like.
Third, a historian and collector of ham radio
legislation, local, state and nationally, to keep a perspectove in legal
matters. Something like
what you do. John. A person who stands ready to answer
historical questions about new laws when these come on the horizon.
BTW, we are lucky in Ohio. The former SGL is a college
law professor whose office is 2,000 yards from the Ohio General Assembly
and
whose students serve in the Legislative Services Bureau of
both houses of the General Assembly and Governor. Some also clerk for
the Ohio
Surpreme Court justices. The currect SGL has run Ohio's
biggest ham radio club (Dayton ARA) and is experienced at speaking to
groups. He also
has a first hand look at the operations of government in his
consulting job.
-----------------------
From Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP -- SM NFla
Hi John
Your comment relative to the above subject is one of concern.
When I first became SM, in the late 80s, John Hills, KC4N was appointed
as SGL for the
Northern Florida Section. This was based on a recommendation
of George Thurston, III, W4MLE, whom I am sure you must remember. John
held this position
until about a year or so ago. I then appointed someone that
had worked very closely with John, namely, Ted Zestlo, W1XO.
One of the factors for selection, was FSU is located in TLH,
and the close ties with the Legislators made it to be and ideal
situation. Florida was the first State to
have PRB-1 as a State Statue. The person appointed as SGL
must have a good understanding of the State political environment,
ability to meet and discuss with
Legislators, make presentations before various Committees.
Needless to say, I strongly support the position as SGL, as in
our case, has help make amateur radio more visible in this State. Also,
the SGL position serves all
three Sections of Florida. The States having more than one
Section should appoint one person to represent all Sections of the
State.
Thanks for letting me share my views.
------------------------
From Bob Ideker, WB5VUH -- Arkansas Section SGL and PIC (&
former SM)
Hi John,
Let me think what are traits of a good SGL; lets see, they
would need to be good looking, tall dark and handsome, and women would
be
hanging all over them, and of course, they must be rich !!!
WAKE UP BOB.....You're a SGL and you possess NONE of the above....well,
maybe the good lookin' part....hi hi
Seriously, I doubt that many - old - (I'm THAT, for sure)
meaning out of office old SM's, would be willing to become the section
SGL but
I think its a good fit as well as the PIC position; after all,
who better to be the point person for section activities than someone
who
fought-the-battle in their two year, elected position. I hope
my acceptance of these positions will benefit the section and have
appreciated Dennis' willingness for allowing and trusting me
enough to do the job(s).
We NEED more publicity in both the media and government. That
will be my goal. I'm founding out there is a lot of competition for
getting "face-time".
Ask me the question again after I see my successes (or
otherwise) of the next two years. Our Legislature, which only meets
every
other year causes things to pile-up awaiting for their session
to begin, so there is lots of down time followed by Legislators with
much
higher interest in more meaningful Bills so its a struggle
sometimes for us to get attention since we don't have paid lobbyist to
spend
hour after hour at the Capitol.
During the time between sessions, its a good time to start
building bridges so that once a session begins, a SGL might have a
better
chance of getting a sponsor to help. The problem, that I've
seen so far, is new Legislators who aren't assigned to specific
committees
until their sessions begins making it more difficult to
"lock-in" on any one person and perhaps the WRONG committee gets the
Bill.
Most of our Bills have gone through a committee who, in turns,
looks at the Arkansas Municipal League for guidance in acceptance. If
THEY aren't in support of a proposed Bill, the Legislators
usually reject it based on their recommendation.
Therefore, lots of preparation of getting things together
quickly before AND after the session begins is critical. In my opinion,
the SGL
needs to be:
HIGHLY ORGANIZED
1) Establish which Legislators will be sitting on the assigned
committee that might hear a Bill.
2) Set up preliminary tools.....I use a Excel spreadsheet to
set up each committee members by the district they represent (to know
which hams are in the Legislators district, name, address,
city, state., zip and phone number so that MERGED letters can be
produced
and letters can be developed to look more "personalized".
3) It also helps send out emails and handouts to other hams
who might know someone who knows someone else (networking) to
assist in getting more support which will be needed if the
Bill gets out of committee.
4) Prepare "talking points" sheets so that ANY ham can talk to
their own Legislator.
5) Assign specific hams to talk to specific Legislators
FOCUSED
Know the issues at hand, know who to contact, when to contact
and have a good working plan, but be flexible too.
PERSISTENT
It seems those who stay in contact with committee members and
provide what a Legislator needs as background material to help
HIM/HER share it with his fellow committee members.
Of keen interest, is WHO endorses the Bill, what other states
have similar Bills and how much support local hams give to their
representatives.
CONSISTENT
Offering each Legislator the same information and answering
their questions as a TEAM, meaning that each question answered should
be close to what someone else might say in a similar
discussion.
Guess that's a lot more than you asked for, but felt it was
important to offer an outline of the processes getting ready for meeting
Legislators. Please use this to your benefit, the reflector
(with edits as you deem needed) or however you wish to use my comments.
Best Regards Always
----------------
From Ray Makul, K1XV - former SGL of NNJ
Hello John:
As a former SGL (NNJ) I think the following would be useful:
1. Someone knowledgable of the legislative process. Many
present
or former State employees may have this qualification.
Ray Makul K1XV
