[Fredslist] Joel Schnur - The Man, The Myth, The Legend

[Jeanne Anne Norton]

Wow. That tells it all and on target. Food for thought for anyone in  
New York. Joel works quietly in the background. Or maybe not so  
quietly depending on the issue. Thank you Raj. Thank you Joel.

Jeanne Anne Norton

On Nov 17, 2010, at 7:30 PM, "Raj Goel" <raj at brainlink.com> wrote:

> Gothamites,
>
>    I apologize for the lengthy email -- but there are some concepts,
> and some people, who deserve more than a sound-bite, and Joel Schnur  
> is
> definitely one of those.
>
>    As Gothamites, Joel & I get together from time to time.
>
>    Yesterday, we spent 4 hours together and we spoke about the
> politicians we know (Julissa Ferraras, Chuck Schumer, Anthony Wiener),
> Joel's spot-on analysis of how Carl Paladino self-destructed in  
> Brooklyn,
> and a review of Joel's storied career.
>
> The most common question I get asked when I mention Joel, is
> 1) What Does a Lobbyist Do (and do I need one)?
>
> Simply put, a lobbyist is your direct access to elected officials.
> More often than not, bills are discussed, and hearings are held for  
> the best
> reasons -- improving the city, improving the common welfare, etc.
> Sometimes, however, even good bills can have unintended consequences.
>
> For example, the city banned advertising on construction sheds.
> On the one hand, a good idea, as it prevents urban blight.
> On the other hand, it led to job losses, and the city is losing  
> millions of
> dollars each year in lost fees revenues.
>
> Advertising is up, globally.  And having advertisers pay to  
> advertise in NYC
> is almost always a good thing.
>
> A major outdoor advertising firm, hired Joel's firm to look at the  
> issue.
> Joel's team did a world-wide study on the trends in outdoor  
> advertising, and
> found that in other major world-capital cities, not only was  
> advertising
> allowed on temporary structures, in some cities historic churches and
> government buildings also had commercial advertising on them.
>
> Presented with a well written study, and Joel's charm and skills,  
> the city
> is looking at how it can reverse a misguided decision.
>
> On a more local note, developers, apartment owners and building  
> owners who
> want to put up signs, or need zoning variance also hire Joel to  
> expedite
> waivers.
>
>
> 2) Isn't lobbying unethical, illegal or sleazy?
>
> Nope.  A good lobbyist NEVER asks an elected official or his client  
> to break
> the law.
> Bending the law however...that's allowed.  Ask any lawyer, or Torah  
> scholar
> (and Joel could teach classes on both!)
>
> 3) I'm not a millionaire or billionaire, how would I use Joel?
>
> If you run an accredited charity that does good in NYC (Social  
> services,
> educational services, etc), Joel's the man your organization should  
> retain
> to get funding from the city.
> Whether it's $ 2M to buy land for expansion, or $ 500,000 to fund a  
> new
> ambulance for senior citizens, or $ 250,000 for expanding a children's
> programme, a lobbyist is your best chance for getting funding.
>
> Reality is, the city spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year,
> funding 3rd party non-profits.
> Every elected official has the right to get funds for programs in  
> their
> district.
> If you've got a worthwhile program, why not let the city help you  
> fund it?
>
> And the last question that comes up is,
> 4) Is there anyone Joel doesn't know?
>
> He knows everybody, except Mike Bloomberg, on a personal level.
>
> All 51 NYC assembly members?  check
> Every elected official (along with their private cell phones, and the
> really, really private cell phones)?  check Last 3 mayors?  check  
> Chuck
> Schumer?  check Anthony Weiner (possibly our next mayor)?  check
>
> So, if you need the city to change it's mind, grant your business or  
> home an
> exemption, or get funding for your non-profit, call Joel.
>
>
> - Raj
>
> Raj Goel, CISSP
> CTO, Brainlink International, Inc.
> Raj at brainlink.com
> 917-685-7731
> You run your business, and leave the IT to us.
>
>
>
>
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