Katie Klabusich

Host

Advocacy Is Local — A How To Guide

Jul 30, 2014·1,690 visitors

Heidi Gerbracht

Cohost

Stage· 216 messages

Jul 30, 2014

Heidi Gerbracht is my favorite policy wonk! She does the detailed work of passing local legislation to help her city and community. And GOOD NEWS! She is joining me to explain how YOU can be an effective advocate for change through your local elected officials. Come ask questions & find out why you have more power than you know!

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming to “Advocacy Is Local — A How To Guide" (new ProTip: there’s a mobile app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tawkers/id791417999?mt=8 )

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Real quick, if you’re new to Tawkers, Heidi and I will be chatting on the left. And if you’re signed in (it only takes two minutes to set up a profile!), you can add comments/questions on the right. Interrupt any time with questions!

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Also, definitely use the “arrow” icons to share comments on social media so people you know will be into the discussion can join.

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

Before we start, my tawks are a safe space. Ask questions, share — but no abusive language will be tolerated. If you need to mute someone, click the “ … “ under the thumbs in their comment or click on their profile.

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

With the disclaimers out of the way, let’s start “Advocacy Is Local — A How To Guide" Thanks for joining me, Heidi!

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:33 AM

Hi everyone. Thanks for joining us.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:33 AM

And thanks, Katie for making this happen!

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

Heidi is basically my favorite. We met at a repro conference and bonded over serious commitment to wonkiness. If you’ve ever heard me say something confident about local legislation, I had probably talked to her first.

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

With all the SCOTUS annoyance and general frustration over feeling basically powerless as citizens, I wanted to do some good news/upbeat discussion! Turns out, you have tons of local power.

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

To get us started, tell us why you’re passionate about local politics and advocacy, Heidi.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:35 AM

Cities really are stepping up to the plate with good progressive solutions to problems. I didn't intend to get involved with city work when I finished school, but once I did, I realized how much good work and opportunity there is in local politics.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:36 AM

Local politicians are really interested in solutions, so we don't usually have the gridlock that we all have seen at the state and federal level

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

That's pretty refreshing.

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

I think most of us automatically picture CONGRESS <ugh> when we think about legislation and legislators.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:37 AM

Frankly, when you see your constituents at the grocery store, you're kids school and church, you really feel the need to get stuff done!

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:37 AM

*your

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:37 AM

Sorry- wonkiness goes to grammar too.

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

Truth. There's a lot more one on one!

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

Haha -- there's no grammar here. ;)

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:38 AM

There is more one on one, and the practicality of it is refreshing. In many places, local elections are non-partisan.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:38 AM

Which doesn't mean that your electeds aren't part of a party, just that they may be less beholden to that party for re-election.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

Word. Also less beholden to massive fundraising.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:39 AM

In some ways, on the fundraising bit. Our local races are still pretty expensive here in Austin, esp if you're running for Mayor because our TV market is pretty expensive.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:40 AM

But on housing, LGBT issues, health care, women's issues, there's a lot of opportunity for action.

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

Why specifically are those issues "easier" locally?

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:41 AM

Well, many local electeds are there because they want to fix those problems. And many of them are open to different ideas, even if they are Rs or more conservative.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:42 AM

Also, there has been a nationaltrend toward most big city mayors being Ds. I think there may only be two big cities with R mayors right now- SAn Diego and Indianapolis, if I remember correctly

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

Is that because they are more likely to personally know the people they're legislation affects?

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

Interesting....

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:42 AM

They are more likely to know the people. ALs, they are less likely to be politicians as a career (not that I have a problem with that

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:43 AM

) But they are often what we in Texas call "citizen legislators"- they have other jobs first.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:43 AM

Teachers, firefighters, retired pilots, etc.

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

Right. They would have been in some other field first and gotten into politics locally because of a specific event/issue.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:43 AM

Exactly.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:44 AM

Interestingly, the Tx municipal league, which represents city interests to the state legel, recently took on payday lending regs as as issue to champion because so many cities were dealing with the fallout.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:44 AM

And the TML is an entirely non-partisan org.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

The phrase "non-partisan" is refreshing.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

Its's hard for most people around the country to imagine folks working together across any kind of isle.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“There are some "issues" with how local politics works in New Jersey I can tell you...mostly because counties play such a huge part”

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:45 AM

Yes, counties can be an issue.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

We had that problem in Chicago -- too many municipalities in charge.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:46 AM

Cities and counties in Tx get most of our authority to pass laws from the state, so they can often pre-empt us.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:46 AM

ANd I know thats a problem cities face all over the country.

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

So if you have an issue to address -- fair housing, clinic defense/protection, -- how do you decide which muncipality to take it to?

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

**municipality

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“lol...Tony Soprano around here ;)”

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:47 AM

Ah, which muni to take it to- good question.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:48 AM

Its smart to be strategic. Do your homework, and you'll figure out fairly easily in any city who your allies on the council are likely to be.

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

I mean, I just call my friend Heidi who knows all the things. But for everyone else.... ;)

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:48 AM

And don't forget that in many big cities, electeds have staff (like me) who can be your biggest allies if they care about your issue.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:48 AM

My boss isn't a huge progressive, but he knew how much issues like paid parental leave meant to me, so he championed the issue after I did the legwork.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Get to know your local staffers, folks!

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“I take it helps to also attend city council/ public meetings?”

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:49 AM

Look at who the electeds give money to, if they're supporters of orgs that work on the issues.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Sidenote: Michael is from the part of NJ where we got the buffer zone passed this Spring!

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:49 AM

YEs, you can attend the meetings. In many places, the meetings are shown on tv

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

You can probably tell by who speaks up on what issues when they're discussed as well.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:50 AM

Thats true,

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:50 AM

A couple more tips:

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:50 AM

Don't assume you know for sure how an elected might feel before you talk to them. They might surprise you.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:50 AM

Bring facts and data to support your argument.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:50 AM

Make an ask. And if you get a yes, STOP TALKING! :)

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:51 AM

(They're busy people with a million different issues they deal with.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

We totally had that in Englewood (NJ); when one of the councilmen spoke up before the buffer vote, the older lady next to me from NOW & I grabbed each other for dear life. Turns out: He was AWESOME.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

GOOD REMINDER: Yes = stop talking.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

You never know when you'll talk yourself out of something.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:51 AM

Yep, Katie- that happens! And it'sa beautiful thing.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“reminds me of when Oklahoma passed universal pre-k”

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Heh -- people should Google OK + universal pre-K if they don't know the story.

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

There's a "This American Life" on it.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:52 AM

Honeslt,y most city council members spend their time thinking about roads and infrastructure projects and the city's budget and taxation.

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Is that because those are perpetual needs and non controversial?

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:52 AM

And let em tell you: there are progressive (or regressive) angles to those issues

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:53 AM

It's because thats' their biggest responsibility as CMs.

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Gotcha.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:53 AM

The vast majority of infrastucture that you rely on daily happened because of cities.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:53 AM

That aside though, many of them just haven't thought yet about some of these very practical progressive issues.

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Which means that's the day-to-day busy work that precludes other issues.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:53 AM

ANd what they can do about them

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:54 AM

Yes, it can preclude other issues at times.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:54 AM

Becaues I'm a wonk, I'd encourgae everyone to learn about city gov and everything that they do.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:54 AM

As I mentioned, there is plenty of progressive action on infra work

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

Is there a quick way to get the basics so people know where else to start digging?

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:54 AM

Take a look at hats going on in DEtroit, for instance

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Most people who are into this topic are going to have a lot on their plate in the form of other activism.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“So, it's good to have at least a rough idea about what kind of money is available, right? We have a major crisis in NJ because it's a commuter state where the state coffers are actually empty”

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:55 AM

That's true.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Detroit makes me want to cry. I was just there; so many empty buildings, so much broken down.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:55 AM

But often I find that folks who have been used to doing statewide feminist or progressive action know someone who's been working the city angle.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Good point.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:55 AM

If you know someone like that- get them to give you the 411

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

So if you're doing broader <cough> work, look around locally to see if you have allies you didn't consider at the city level?

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:56 AM

Yes, definitely. Also, take a look at the kinds of events and

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:56 AM

other things the CMs show up to.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:56 AM

Thats a good indication of where they might stand.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:57 AM

Back to Michael's comment about money...

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:57 AM

Yep- the city budget is a critical issue for them.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:58 AM

People feel it in their pocket book faster when there's a tax increase at the local level than they do when the state or feds fund something.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:58 AM

Look at where your city spends money.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:58 AM

In Austin, an GIANT sum is spent on public safety.

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

Why?

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

Like a disproportionate amount?

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“University town?”

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:58 AM

which should mean that we can ask the police dept for special projects... like maybe checking n on our clinics and making sure they're safe.

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:59 AM

I would say it's disproportionate. This is getting way wonky- It'll be too much if I go into the why's.

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“other than elected officials and staffers, are there other people in the bureaucracy that one should look to get to know?”

Heidi Gerbracht · 12:59 AM

But yes, following the money can lead you to some options/solutions.

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

Most of my readers/listeners are into clinic defense. Feel free to get wonky. They're used to it. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“or police I guess”

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

So if the budget is already allocated for an area, that's a good place to lobby for new X or Y?

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

(Heidi is the one who pointed out to me that clinic protection is a policing matter and therefore local.)

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:00 AM

Yes, sometimes. Also department staff can be a huge ally (or barrier) to getting stuff done.

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

A good "off the record" peek into where a allies and resources are?

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:01 AM

For instance, our HR dept was not too keen on our parental leave, and we had to work for a year to get them there.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:01 AM

They can give you an off the record peek...

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

I like the networking angle this is taking.

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

;)

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:02 AM

Also, in my experience, city staff people are sometimes really great professionals who are into solving local probs.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:02 AM

SO, make friends with them.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:02 AM

I spent a lot of time working on a construction worker res break ordinance.

Katie Klabusich · 1:03 AM

Are organization fundraisers/events a good place to make allies with local electeds and staffers?

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:03 AM

The local org that worked on this with me has spent a lot of time building relaitonships with me and our dept staff.

Katie Klabusich · 1:03 AM

(I met the NY AG at a NARAL event and had NO idea before that HOW prochoice he was. Hooray, ally!)

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:03 AM

YEs, fundraisers are great, because you'll know where they stand.

Katie Klabusich · 1:03 AM

And they're standing in front of people who pay attention; harder to walk things back as it were.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:04 AM

Yes thats true.

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

What's the biggest (or your current favorite) issue that people don't realize is local?

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:04 AM

Oh oh, I like this questions!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:05 AM

AN issue that I'm thinking we're going to work on here in Austin is gender neutral bathrooms!

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Awesome!”

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:05 AM

SO exciting to my wonkiness- it's part of the BUILDING CODE!!

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

That sounds like a simple switch that makes a HUGE difference to people!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:05 AM

It does make a huge diff!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:06 AM

And the cool part is, it won't really require small biz to do anything other than change their sign. No expensive construction.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:06 AM

Which means we can hopefully convince the local biz community to support it. I hope.

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“this would affect more than new constructions? like retroactive to some structures?”

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“ah”

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

It's just a sign switch, basically, for businesses (if they even have signs), right?

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:07 AM

Yes exactly.

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

Is there a way to do that for businesses that use urinal/stall combos in the "men's" room?

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:08 AM

I think that most biz folks have just been unaware of the issue, and if all they have to do to make their customers happier is sitch a sign, they hopefully wont grumble too much.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:08 AM

I think that we'd probably let them leave the urinals, and just assume some folks would just ignore them and go straight for the stalls. :)

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:09 AM

I'm guessing it would mostly impact biz that have a single occupancy BRs.

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“it's always unpredictable when something involves cultural change, but if there's less work on their part involved... :)”

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:09 AM

Agreed, Michael.

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

What else ya got??

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:09 AM

But Austin fancies itself a liberal place. :)

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:09 AM

One other tip for folks.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:10 AM

If you happen to know of another city that has the ordinance you want, bring a copy with you when you lobby.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:10 AM

There may be different rules for each city depending on the state their in, but having a model can often be relaly helpful for your electeds.

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

GOOD REMINDER

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

Don't ask legislators or staffers to reinvent something that already exists.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:10 AM

We used some of the ideas from the Baltimore ord for our CPC regs (which sadly we just lost in court.)

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“grrr”

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:11 AM

Be a resource for folks, not just a loud speaker. It's really always appreciated.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:11 AM

And remember, please, to be polite to your public servants, even when you disagree with them.

Katie Klabusich · 1:12 AM

Especially at the local level; they're typically underpaid, overworked and understaffed.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:12 AM

You never know when another issue is going to come up on which you WILL agree, and may need to work together.

Katie Klabusich · 1:12 AM

Also, that.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:12 AM

Thanks, Katie, for that. We are usually underpaid and overworked. My boss does his council job for free!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:13 AM

(You can yell some at public meetings. I'm generally referring to one on one meetings in terms of being polite. :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“eh, sometimes you have to yell around here...but in a polite way :)”

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:13 AM

WE do understand that there's some usefulness in drama and making a scene to get your point across in a more public forum.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:14 AM

Thinking about other tips... does anyone else have any questions while I think on it? :)

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:14 AM

Some issues we've worked on here in Austin for purposes of generating ideas:

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“It may be a North Jersey thing...as long as you could probably get a drink with these folks afterwards, heh”

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

Affordable housing is one that seems supremely local.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:15 AM

Oops- Katie, I'll start with that.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:15 AM

It is local, tho a lot of money comes to cities from states and feds to do that work.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:15 AM

However, local policies around affordable housing ar eimportant.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:16 AM

IN Texas, we're not allowed to do what is clled inclusionary zoning, a great tool for AH.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:16 AM

But in other cities, that is an option.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:16 AM

So we've got the construction workers rest breaks

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:17 AM

Paid parental leave for city employees

Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

Funding might be state/federal, but inclusive policies can be local.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:17 AM

the CPC regs we lost, but will look for another angle

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:17 AM

Yep, Katie.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:17 AM

Our office is currently working on making source of income disc in housing illegal

Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

THAT WOULD BE AMAZEBALLS

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:18 AM

IE, if you use vouchers, what used ot be called SEction 8, you can't be turned away by a landlord.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:18 AM

They can still turn you away for other reasons, but NOT that one, if we pass this item, which I think we can do.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:18 AM

We've been working with the police also on DV issues.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:19 AM

And sexual assault and rape kit issues.

Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

It seems like local advocacy is a lot of "chipping away."

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:19 AM

This is a REALLY tough one.

Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

That's huge.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:19 AM

Yep, city work requires patience and a view to the LONG game. :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

Or to just see things piecemeal.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

You aren't going to get ALL THE THINGS in one bill/session.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:20 AM

Piecemeal it often is. Says Yoda.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

Hahaha. I promised the people wonky. Now also the Star Wars.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:20 AM

You got it.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:20 AM

On the rape kit front.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

Which is a good reminder to follow Heidi on twitter -- @HGerbracht

Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

She's great and reachable and has been an invaluable resource for me.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:21 AM

We got some great state money/policy from the AMAZING Wendy Davis.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:21 AM

And now we're working on understanding how the police investigate SA. Encouraging them to bring best practices to our police dept from other jurisdictions that have been successful.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:22 AM

Same with DV.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:23 AM

Another issue we have trouble with and cities can do something about is how the police depts treat people of color.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:23 AM

We struggle with that here in Austin.

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

So people should show up to city council meetings, get familiar with current projects and see where their allies are to lobby for specific legislation?

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:23 AM

Yes please.

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“and be nice!”

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:23 AM

I love working with allies on things.

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

Sorry, my standard wrapping up of chats kicked in while you were getting serious. #awkward

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:23 AM

Wrap away!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:24 AM

There'll be more to talk about another time.

Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“thank you very much for this!”

Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

I am SO glad you could join me tonight. We see you out there in listener/viewer land!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:25 AM

PLease don't hesitate to contact me ALWAYS for help with your city level work, all of you!

Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

The next time there's something really exciting happening that you're allowed to talk about -- A WIN, PERHAPS! -- come on back and we'll chat about how it happened and do some inspiring to get involved.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:25 AM

That sounds great, Katie.

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:26 AM

Thanks for chatting with me!

Heidi Gerbracht · 1:26 AM

(And letting me nerd out on a Tuesday night.)

Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

You can nerd out with me anytime. ;) Thanks everybody!

Forum · 18

Forum· 18 comments

1,690 visitors

Tawkers AdminJul 10, 2014, 4:34 PM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:45 AM★ Spotlighted

There are some "issues" with how local politics works in New Jersey I can tell you...mostly because counties play such a huge part

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

lol...Tony Soprano around here ;)

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:49 AM★ Spotlighted

I take it helps to also attend city council/ public meetings?

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:51 AM★ Spotlighted

reminds me of when Oklahoma passed universal pre-k

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

So, it's good to have at least a rough idea about what kind of money is available, right? We have a major crisis in NJ because it's a commuter state where the state coffers are actually empty

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:58 AM★ Spotlighted

University town?

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:59 AM★ Spotlighted

other than elected officials and staffers, are there other people in the bureaucracy that one should look to get to know?

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 12:59 AM★ Spotlighted

or police I guess

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:05 AM★ Spotlighted

Awesome!

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:06 AM★ Spotlighted

this would affect more than new constructions? like retroactive to some structures?

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:06 AM★ Spotlighted

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:09 AM★ Spotlighted

it's always unpredictable when something involves cultural change, but if there's less work on their part involved... :)

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:11 AM★ Spotlighted

grrr

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:12 AM★ Spotlighted

eh, sometimes you have to yell around here...but in a polite way :)

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:14 AM★ Spotlighted

It may be a North Jersey thing...as long as you could probably get a drink with these folks afterwards, heh

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:23 AM★ Spotlighted

and be nice!

Michael NamJul 30, 2014, 1:24 AM★ Spotlighted

thank you very much for this!