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4/1/2015
April 5 marks the end of the fourth session for this legislative cycle in Mississippi. Many legislators will head home to start their re-election campaigns, while others will be retiring or running for other offices.
April 5 also marks the end of an era for one man under the Capitol dome. Much like Johnny Vaught roamed the football field at Ole Miss, he has roamed the halls of the Mississippi Capitol. His name is Richard Morgan and we all owe him a bit of gratitude.
Many of you have never heard his name before, but for 27 years he has worked tirelessly to make sure members of electric power associations have the lowest possible rates, our employees are kept safe and protected, and our representatives and senators know how legislation could affect electric power associations.
Richard’s official title is vice president of government relations for the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. Simply put, he’s a lobbyist. In some ways, he is what many think of when they hear the word lobbyist. He smokes, drinks and wears the ugliest, yet most comfortable shoes you have ever seen. (The Capitol’s marble floor is very hard and tough on the feet and back.) While others stop to empty their pockets before going through the Capitol’s metal detector, Richard simply nods to the guard and passes by.
I once asked Richard why he had stayed with the electric power associations for so long. Why hadn’t he used his talents to become a contract lobbyist chasing the big dollars? Richard leaned back and took a long draw on that Marlboro. “Michael,” he said, “I have worked for a great organization and good people. My whole career I have lobbied for things that made people’s lives better and were good for the state of Mississippi. Yes, I might have made more money, but the electric power associations paid me well. I never had a troubled night’s sleep and when my career is done, I can look back and say, ‘I made a difference.’”
Indeed he has. The secret to Richard’s success is simple. First, as lobbyist he has to be accurate. Richard always told me that there was no shame in not knowing the answer to a question. Simply say, “Good question, Senator. I don’t know, but I will find out the answer and get back with you.” Second, you need to be brief. There is a lot going on under the Capitol dome and a lot demanding a legislator’s time. You have to get in, make your points and get out. Last, be courteous. Regardless of whether you like or dislike a person’s politics or personally, always remember, he or she stepped out and ran for office and won. That alone requires you to show respect.
Richard has been my advisor, mentor and confidante for 10 years. When he gave me advice, it was usually the type of advice that maybe I didn’t want to hear but needed to hear, and it was usually the truth. You can rest assured I listened every time.
Richard’s wife, Marilyn, retired last summer and he is ready to join her. I wish them both the best and hope each finds something to do before they kill each other. As for me, I must go about the task of replacing a legend. Next year there will be more bills to pass or kill, and someone will have to lobby on behalf of our members. But, for now, the electric power association family should give a farewell ovation to a man who worked tirelessly to represent us all so well for so long. Thank you, Richard, and God bless.
