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The heart of policy is the honest exchange of ideas

8/2/2018

 
By MMAC President Tim Sheehy
>>View 2018 Summer edition of Milwaukee Commerce  magazine that features this article.
A democracy functions best when its participants have good information. The heart of good policy is an honest, respectful and direct exchange of ideas.

A big part of MMAC’s value proposition is providing our elected representatives at the local, state and federal levels with good information — information that is transparent, accountable and fair. Legislative leaders, policy makers and their respective staff are more capable decision makers when they are informed.
For those cynics who read this opening and rolled their eyes, yes, we acknowledge that democracy is a contact sport. And yes, MMAC has a lobbying team paid to represent the interests of its members. We also acknowledge the responsibility inherent in this role. If we don’t factually and accurately represent our point of view and understand the arguments against our point of view on legislation/policy, then we run the risk of being a distrusted advocate. Having more than 50 years experience lobbying at the local, state and federal levels, we know that honest representation is at the core of being an effective advocate.

Our lobbying team likes to note that if you’re not at the policy table, you’re likely on the menu. MMAC takes pride in making sure our voice is in the room when decisions impacting our members and the region’s economy are on the table. We are not naïve to the challenges facing policy making at all levels today. It is a more partisan and difficult context in which to operate. Our members have varied points of view. Our role is to stay true to helping represent employers in their self-interest to invest capital and create jobs. That self-interest comes with the balance of raising the quality of life for all.

Today’s reality is not the black and white movie, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” But we do realize that in representing our members we have a responsibility to improve democracy — not the reverse.    

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301 W Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 220 | Milwaukee, WI 53203 
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  • JOIN
  • Membership
    • The benefits of joining
    • Member directory >
      • Member Spotlights
      • Talent Solutions Directory
    • What we do >
      • Talent >
        • Ranking Milwaukee County Schools
        • Education recommendations
        • Technology Education & Literacy in Schools (TEALS)
        • Career-based learning experiences
      • Growth
      • Livability
      • Equity
      • Peer metro comparison
    • Cost saving programs >
      • Health insurance plan
      • Office supply discount program
    • Events >
      • 2021 All Member Meeting
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
      • Talent Solution Series
      • Emerging Leaders Series
      • Global Business Insights Series
      • Member Orientation
      • Replay: The Business of MKE Series
      • Replay: Race Bridge Series
    • For members only >
      • Fall 2022 Impact Report
      • Sponsorship
      • Advertising
    • Need more info?
  • Networks
    • Leadership Council
    • President's Huddle
    • Executive roundtable program
    • FUEL Milwaukee for young professionals
    • Future 50 Awards Program
    • Networking Forum for referrals
    • Region of Choice Initiative
    • Roundtables for high-growth companies
    • World Trade Association
  • Advocacy
    • 2021-2022 Legislative Scorecard >
      • Senate Votes
      • Assembly Votes
    • Recent Legislative Wins
    • Funding Local Governments
    • Miller Park economic impact study
    • Wisconsin State Legislature
    • K-12 Education Recommendations
  • Economic Development
    • Milwaukee 7 Partnership for Economic Development
    • MKE Venture Mentoring Service
    • Milwaukee Development Corp. >
      • Rebuild & Revitalize Program
    • Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corp. (MUSIC)
    • Milwaukee EB-5 Visa program
    • Starting a business >
      • BizStarts
      • New business planning guide
    • More about Milwaukee
  • Metro MKE
    • 2023 Navigate Business MKE
    • Business outlook survey
    • Economic trends
    • Local media listings
    • Major employers in metro Milwaukee
    • Metro Milwaukee demographics
    • Order a publication
    • Relocating a business
  • About
    • Board of directors
    • Career Opportunities at MMAC
    • Staff
    • Milwaukee Commerce magazine
    • Press releases
    • Members of the media >
      • Recent Media Coverage
    • Scholarships for minority students