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state. The ORA staff provides us with a summary of legislation that may impact the restaurant industry and links to the proposal itself. We meet both in person and, more frequently, by conference call. We talk about the issue; develop a consensus and someone then makes a motion to support, amend or oppose the legislation. The ORA Board of Directors considers our recommendations and makes the fnal decision.

Richard: How do you perceive your role in the process?

Jamie: First and foremost, I believe it’s important to listen to all of our members to ensure all important perspectives are being taken into account. I work closely with the government affairs staff and do my best to stay on top of the issues that are important to our members. In terms of chairing the committee, my job is to make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute; to keep us on the agenda and to facilitate a constructive discussion of the issues.

Richard: What trends do you see in legislation affecting the restaurant industry?

Jamie: A decade ago, restaurants were well below the radar screen for legislators, both in D.C. and here in Ohio’s capital. That defnitely is not the case anymore. Food, foodservice and restaurants are in the newspaper every day. Some interest groups and too many politicians seem to think that the restaurant industry should solve all of society’s problems. These days, it seems there’s far too much emphasis on what the government wants to “do to restaurants and the foodservice industry” and not nearly enough focus on what government can “do for restaurants and the foodservice industry.” Namely - how the government can get out of the way to allow us to do what we do best – create jobs and prosperity.

Richard: Do you think lawmakers really care what restaurant owners think?

Jamie: Actually, I do. My experience is that when we take the time to talk, especially one-on-one, with our elected offcials, they do care. This is especially true when they have the chance to understand and appreciate the huge impact our industry has on real people everywhere – through our impact on the economy, the nourishment we provide and the memories we create.

Richard: What do you consider to be our industry’s biggest challenge when increasing our infuence in the legislative process?

Jamie: I would say three key things. First – education. We simply have to do a better job demonstrating the foodservice industry’s economic might. Second – communication. When all of us in the industry devote greater efforts on building

relationships with our area legislators, it really does make a difference. And, third – money. We have a comparatively small political action committee. There is no question we would be more effective if more members invested in the PAC. The PAC provides us a voice and a chance to endorse and fnancially support candidates who understand what it means to schedule shifts, meet payroll and build a business – those are the kind of lawmakers we need.

Richard: You mentioned the PAC. What are your thoughts about money and politics?

Jamie: Investing our dollars in PAC efforts amplifes our voice. There are plenty of groups with anti-restaurant, anti-foodservice, anti-growth beliefs working every day to make it harder for us to operate. PAC efforts help us make sure we can support candidates who understand the incredible impact we have on people’s everyday lives. I think it’s important that our members know that we are not talking about raising and spending millions of dollars. Our goal is to build our PAC to the level where lawmakers and other elected offcials see our industry as being important in their election/reelection process. We want to matter.

Richard: Okay, let’s see how you handle this one: tell us what you really think about politics and politicians. Isn’t it just a big mess?

Jamie: As far as politics is concerned, I will say that it isn’t always pretty. But, the reality is that we have a system where interest groups can or cannot participate. If you participate, you at least have the opportunity to make a difference. If you choose to ignore politics, you and your business are at greater risk. Personally, I think we should minimize our risk. Politicians? Again, my experience is that most are well-intentioned, hard-working people who want to improve the lives of those they represent. We can obviously disagree on how those goals should be accomplished, but I generally don’t quarrel with their motivations. Was that politically correct?

Richard: On behalf of our members, THANK YOU for all you do for our industry.

Jamie: It’s my privilege and my pleasure

to represent my fellow restaurateurs!

by Richard Mason

Director of Government Affairs Ohio Restaurant Association

Under the Dome: A Legislative Update for ORA