[PLUG-TALK] Do NOT extend the workplace smoking law

[Rich Shepard]

On Tue, 8 Mar 2005, glen e. p. ropella wrote:

> Very cool, Rich!  Thanks for the info.

   Yer welcome.

> So, if I go to a hearing, is the hearing specific to a committee?

   Each committee schedules hearings on each bill assigned to it. Bills are
assigned by the Senate President and Speaker of the House to their respective
chamber. Both bills are the same except for minor language that will not
cause problems in resolving differences.

> And if it _is_, then at the Health and Human Services one, is it
> best/appropriate/dont-care to stick to the topic of health? And at the
> Judiciary one, should I stick to "law enforcement" issues? Or do they mix
> and match subjects?

   First, I don't see either bill on the agenda for the next two meetings of
either committee: <http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/agenda/webagendas.htm>.

   Second, here are guidelines for presenting testimony:
<http://www.leg.state.or.us/comm/>.

   Third, focus on what you want to say. It should be specific to the
provisions proposed in the bill(s). If you want to speak to (or against) the
health effects, do so. If you want to speak to the economic effects, then do
that. Write your comments and bring a sufficient number of copies (usually
15-20). Committee members will wander in and out of the hearing, chat among
themselves and only a few (ususlly the Chair and those with a particular
interest) will be paying close attention; they may even ask you questions.
The written testimony is carefully reviewed by each legislator's staff person
(and perhaps him/her self, too) so that is important to have.

   Make your points focused and limit the "take-home lesson" to no more than
three points. You'll hear others supporting your perspective and arguing the
other side. I've no idea who came up with the ideas behind these bills but
I'm certain that a number of different oxes have been gored by the idea that
they may pass. The more calm, rational and reasonable you are the greater
credibility you will have with the legislators. Oh, business dress, too, adds
to your positive impression.

   I have found that regardless of where they are on the political compass I
can have fun and educational conversations with any and all of them. I
carefully avoid those subjects that are emotional hot-buttons and where we'd
never agree, but there are always areas where we do agree. And, in the
off-season they run businesses, work for others and otherwise act like the
rest of us. Just don't stand between any politician and a TV camera. :-)

Rich

-- 
Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President
Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM)
<http://www.appl-ecosys.com>   Voice: 503-667-4517   Fax: 503-667-8863