Credit Union Leaders Holding Elective Office Understand Both Sides of Politics

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – As the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference drew near, Credit Union Times thought it would be interesting to talk to some credit union leaders who have gained insights as elected officials. So we contacted Ron Rakowsky, Colorado and Wyoming Leagues government affairs specialist as well as Greenwood Village city councilman and mayor pro tem. Then we put in a call to Von Fraser, Alachua County tax collector in Florida and also chairman of Florida Credit Union in Gainesville. We asked both men what drew them into politics, and what lessons they’ve learned that credit unions might find helpful as they work to get their story across to the officeholders who represent them. Rakowsky: Politics is Local Rakowsky dates his interest in politics back to his junior year in high school when he persuaded a local Congressman to speak to a club that was an offshoot of an advanced placement American history class. “I’ve always had an abiding interest in all levels of government,” he explained. “Also in my junior year in high school I took my first trip to Washington, D.C., and I got a terminal case of Potomac Fever.” In due course, Rakowsky earned a law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and entered the Air Force as a judge advocate. His resum’e since returning to civilian life details a long list of volunteer and government offices. With all that experience, has he become jaded about the political process? “Actually, I’m still fairly idealistic,” he said. “I think, not that government is the answer, but you have to have some government. The first duty of government is to protect. I think that fits credit unions very well because credit unions are there to protect people from being swindled or paying uxorious interest rates. “I could tell you many stories I’ve heard where tellers have prevented elderly people from being defrauded by not letting them take $5,000 out of their $6,000 savings to give to some guy standing next to them.” Rakowsky believes in former Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neal Jr.’s comment that all government is local. People identify with issues such as having the potholes in their street repaired. Yes, he continued, there has always been cynicism about government. He sees that as healthy – to a point. “You do see some confidence in government. But lobbying scandals and other issues reinforce cynicism. We need to structure our government so the best and brightest want to participate in the political process,” Rakowsky said. “We talk about giving back. That doesn’t always mean writing a big check to some charity or religious organization. It means participation. The way government is sometimes pilloried we lose good people at the federal and state level particularly.” He indicates that as a city councilman he’s enjoyed good interaction with constituents. Nobody has phoned him to deliver a tirade. Rakowsky has also been impressed with how really dedicated many government employees are. From the elected officials’ point of view, the big challenge today is lack of resources to fund programs. “The challenge is to make sure you absolutely justify every potential expense. I think every day about stewardship. It’s not my money – it’s my constituents’ money,” Rakowsky emphasized. Are credit unions doing an effective job of getting their story across in state capitals and Washington? “Having been involved in credit unions for a long time, and having been a credit union board member at a very young age, I think we’re doing a much better job now than we were then,” Rakowsky responded. “I think CUNA has become much more effective. Here in Colorado and Wyoming we have really put ourselves on the map. We’re now at the A-team level on a daily basis.” Rakowsky welcomes the idea of more credit union people getting involved on school boards and city councils and working their way up the political ladder. “We also need to recognize there are some people out there, some elected officials, who can be converted. Sometimes the most fervent believers are those who have been converted,” Rakowsky said. “Credit unions don’t have a choice about being politically involved. Whether we like it or not, we are involved. You had best become knowledgeable and look for the best representation for your credit union, your league and your national organization. “Credit unions are most effective when local credit union officials meet with their elected officials. They are those elected officials’ constituents. As important as it is to have the Dan Micas out there on a daily basis, the real powerhouse punch comes from credit unions in each district, especially volunteers making the credit union case.” Fraser: Politically Active Means Never Stopping Like Rakowsky, Fraser has been involved in politics since he was a teenager. “I’ve been involved in a lot of political campaigns,” he indicated. “I knew one day I’d serve in elective office.” Many politicians consider speaking with a steady stream of constituents a chore, but Fraser admits he loves to talk. The biography he has posted on the Internet notes he comes from a family of nine children, which meant 11 people gathered around the dinner table. “Von credited his ability to talk fast to the fact he had to if he wanted to get a word in edgewise,” the biography notes. Fraser earned his degree in accounting at the University of Florida and a masters of public administration from the University of North Florida. In 1977 he was hired by the Alachua County clerk of the court as a supervisor in finance and accounting. Then in 1981 he moved on to the Alachua County tax collector’s office. After 19 years there, he ran for the job of tax collector. In the runoff he won 72% of the vote. Four years later, in 2004, he ran unopposed. “Being a candidate is different – you are in the hot seat. You have to be quick on your feet. I had never done much public speaking. I didn’t have time to go to Dale Carnegie or Toastmasters. That was a big challenge. Asking for money was also hard. Finally I did the easy ones first and gained confidence,” Fraser said. “I learned people will say, ` I’ll send you a check,’ but they don’t. I had to take the next step and ask them if they would make the check out right then.” From the viewpoint of a credit union chairman, does Fraser think credit unions are doing enough to tell their story? “No, I do not. We should be beating down the door to every administrative and elected official. Credit unions must not only tell their story, they must keep repeating it. Boards and staffs should be out spreading their message,” he emphasized. Fraser agrees with Rakowsky it would be a good move if more credit union people ran for elective office and became involved in political campaigns. “We’re in America. We’re governed by a democracy. Get more active. Okay, you might back the losing side. But people see you out there. Get involved and encourage your staff to get involved,” he stated. -