Albany Update Volume 4 - April 23, 2004 Planning Effective Meetings Clients frequently ask for a meeting with a legislative leader or a senior staff member. Usually the first question we pose is: "What is the ask"? The "ask" is the point of most meetings. It is a single question that we hope will elicit a "yes", (although sometimes we want to hear a "no"). The demand for meetings with key leaders and staff is far more than they can accommodate. Usually, we get one bite of the apple for each client. And, as you might suspect, time is short. So, the meeting is not the time to schmooze, inform, update or entertain—although a bit of all these may be appropriate. The meeting is to ask. Three guiding principles: Ask for the thing that only the leader or staff member can provide. If you can get it elsewhere, do so. Ask for the thing that the leader or staff member is able to provide without compromising colleagues, allies or their own reputation or standing. Do your homework (Bolton-St. Johns will help). Touch all the other bases, know everything about your positions and those of your opponents. Ask for something that you believe you can get. Saying "no" is something the public official wants to avoid, and it will not advance your goals either. "No" usually means that it's over. Upcoming Fundraisers Monday, April 26th Assem. Paul Tokasz [D] Majority Leader - Albany $500 Tuesday, April 27th Assem. Steven Sanders [D] Chair, Education - Albany $250 Assem. Helene Weinstein [D]Chair, Judiciary - Albany $350 Thursday, April 29th Assem. Roann Destito [D] Chair, Government Operations - Utica $125 Senator Kevin Parker [D] Ranking Member, Energy & Telecommunications - NYC $150 Saturday, May 1st NYS Assembly Republican Conference - NYC $500 Monday, May 3rd Senator Marty Golden [R] Chair, Aging - Brooklyn $300 Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee - Troy $125 Thursday, May 6th Senator Eric Schenidereman [D] Assem. Steve Englebright [D] Assem. Alex Gromack [D] Assem. Robin Schimminger [D] If you have any questions about fundraisers, please call Sandy in the Albany office, 518 462-4620. Back to newsletter list

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