Branson/Tri-Lakes News: City set to hire lobbyist

After several months without a lobbyist representing the city of Branson, city aldermen are expected Feb. 25 to approve a contract with Jefferson City lobbying firm R.J. Scherr and Associates.

The offer on the table is a five-year contract valued at nearly $150,000.

Branson Communication Director Jerry Adams said the proposal – passed on first reading Feb. 11 by the Branson Board of Aldermen – amounts to $28,800 annually for the first three years with 5 percent increases in years four and five.

“We’ve had lobbyists in the past,” said Adams, who would serve as the city’s direct contact with R.J. Scherr and Associates. “This is the first time we’ve gone with this company.”

Adams said the city employed the services of Jefferson City firm Hendren & Andrae for several years until 2007, when Branson Economic Development Director Mike Rankin took over the city’s lobbying responsibilities. Rankin, however, resigned his city post in May.

Adams said Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley and its six aldermen sent out a request for proposals in December, feeling the need, once again, for a full-time state lobbyist.

The city received 10 proposals, four of which were chosen for company presentation to a subcommittee appointed by the mayor.

According to Adams, the city chose R.J. Scherr and Associates for the longevity of its lobbying experience and its 30-deep client list, including McDonald’s Corp. and the Missouri Library Association.

Who is Scherr?

The firm’s principal, Randy Scherr, opened the business in 1981 and now employs a staff of four, three of whom are registered lobbyists. Branson is the firm’s only municipal client, although Scherr represented the city of Joplin for several years.

Besides tracking legislation and lobbying for clients, Scherr said the firm also manages several associations “that bring us to Branson and Springfield on a regular basis.”

He manages and lobbies for five clients who will hold conventions in Branson this year. They include the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers, the Missouri Concrete Association and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Another reason the city recommended R.J. Scherr and Associates to the aldermen was that the firm has a track record of not representing clients on controversial topics such as gambling, something the city stands firmly against. Adams said the city also was impressed with Scherr’s contacts – not only elected legislators, but state officials in the departments of natural resources, transportation and economic development.

Other legislative sources

The city of Branson already belongs to the Missouri Municipal League, which lobbies for its members.

“They are very dependable in informing us,” Adams said, adding that perks of the city employing its own lobbyist include more detailed research, particularly on legislative issues.

To keep up with the legal landscape in the Branson area, the city participates in the two-year-old Branson/Tri-Lakes Area Legislative Partnership. The organization is chaired by Chip Mason, director of government relations for Herschend Family Entertainment and also chairman of the legislative affairs committee for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau. Prior to the November state legislative session, the partnership met with state legislators to discuss their shared concerns.

“We put all the ideas on paper and categorize and prioritize them,” Mason said. “We are very fortunate. People work well together (here).”

The 14-member partnership includes Stone and Taney counties; the cities of Branson, Hollister, Branson West, Kimberling City and Reeds Spring; chambers of commerce in Branson, Forsyth, Hollister and Kimberling City; Table Rock Water Quality Inc.; Upper White River Basin Foundation; and Healthy Families Taskforce.

Mason said the united effort gives the area a strong voice in Jefferson City.

“The advantage of that representation is that if the issues are (similar), it puts more boots are on the ground, so to speak,” he said.