Page 5 - OhioAlaCarteSummer2011

www.ohiorestaurant.org 3 Summer Issue

Under the Dome: A Legislative Update for ORA

My title is Director of Government Affairs. What I actually do can be broken into two categories. First, I represent our members’ interests before the state’s legislators and regulators. Second, I am a resource for our members to help them navigate issues they have with government at all levels.

In this issue of à la Carte, I want to give you an idea of how I might be able to help you and your business deal with a problem that you are having with “government.”

Federal

The Ohio Restaurant Association is a state organization, so our primary governmental focus is in Ohio. As an ORA restaurant member, however, you are also a member of the National Restaurant Association.

When you have questions or a problem with the federal government, you can call NRA directly. Or, since I know and have worked with all of the key legislative staff at NRA, you can call me. While I may not have the answer to your question right in front of me, someone at NRA does. Working with the NRA, I will make it my business to get the answer that you are seeking.

State

Especially in politics, it’s all about relationships – who you know.

While I am constantly expanding my network of contacts, I am confdent that I can work my way through Ohio’s government bureaucracy to fnd the information you need. To be an effective resource to you, I have focused on building a working relationship with the key state agencies that regulate restaurants. This includes the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Development, Health, Insurance, and Job and Family Services. As I regularly communicate with the legislative liaisons for each of these departments, they know me and know that I will call them periodically for help in answering a question from an ORA member.

Local

While most of the regulatory challenges that restaurants face come from Washington, D.C. or Columbus, some originate at the local level. These can come from a county commission, city council or local health district. Because ORA was successful in passing language in the

state budget this June that preempts cities and counties from enacting a variety of ordinances, hassles with local governments should be less of a concern.

Nonetheless, the ORA is an effective, valuable resource that assists members in communicating their concerns at the local level. Whether it’s assisting with studies, gathering research materials, creating facts sheets or drafting testimony for a legislative body, we are here to assist you. The infuence the ORA can provide your cause is often immeasurable.

As ORA’s Director of Government Affairs, assisting you with your advocacy and representation needs is my job. If a government issue is troubling you, let the ORA - and me - be your advocate.

By Richard Mason

Director of Government Affairs, Ohio Restaurant Association

You’ve Got Questions?

We’ve Got Answers, or We’ll Get Them!

The ORA works hard to answer any government-focused questions you may have