Chair's Letter

	Ken Berliner

In my day job, I am general counsel for the Arizona Legislative Council.

Our office is the nonpartisan arm of the Arizona Legislature that drafts the bills and provides research for the legislators. I have worked for or with the Legislature for more than a quarter of a century.

While there are numerous stereotypes of legislators, they are just people, like the rest of us. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds and represent diverse views on what makes this state great.

Because the Legislature addresses myriad issues, and sessions are short, getting accurate information on issues related to bills and a good feel for citizen opinion is important to legislators. ASU has tremendous representation before the Legislature, but the legislators really want to hear from you. Legislators rely on professional

representatives for some information, but they also want to know the needs, concerns and experiences of their constituents.

Arizona legislators have always been very approachable. Now, through email and the legislative Web site at www.azleg.gov, they are even more accessible. The Alumni Association's Advocacy Committee also creates opportunities to meet legislators, such as the upcoming ASU Day at the Capitol, which is scheduled for February 19.

The state of Arizona makes a substantial investment in ASU. Legislators needs to know the importance of this investment to our students and our communities. Your voice as an "ordinary" citizen carries an extraordinary weight in transmitting this message.

Ken Behringer '74, '78 J.D., '88 M.B.A.

P.S. I have enjoyed hearing from you, so if you have any comments on the ASU Alumni Association, please let me know at Kenneth.Behringer@asu.edu.