Government in Action

Yesterday, I participated in a Day on the Hill event with the Washington Rental Housing Industry Coalition. It was my 4th year of Going to Olympia for this event. Each year I am amazed at the incredible demands that are made on those who have chosen to serve in Elected office. There were so many other groups on the Capitol grounds, each lobbying for their chosen interests. Our legislators were gracious, attentive and willing to spend time out of their busy schedules to hear our concerns I asked several what they thought of Day on the Hill events. One, who has been there many years, said it is like a farm. You don't come to the farm in the fall and expect to see a harvest. It takes preparation. You have to get to know the legislator, out of the pressure cooker of the Session to know them. They likewise, if you walk in off the street, need to know you. He suggested that you find a way to introduce yourself long before the session begins. You have prepare the soil, plow the soil, sow the seeds, and do all of that long before you can expect to have a harvest in the Fall.

Two others echoed each other when they said that, events like these allow Legislators time to hear constituents concerns. Often the Legislators do not know as much about their constituency as they would like. So when a group comes to them, in Olympia, and tells them what they do, and what their concerns are, the Legislators are hearing from the people who actually do the day to day work in their districts. They are hearing from the experts. People who are concerned enough to take time out of their own busy schedule to come to Olympia. They appreciate the opportunity to hear from them.