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

[Raj Goel]

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.