Government Relations
A Call To Action As John Adams once said , “ Always vote for principle , though you may vote alone , and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost .”
With the 2010 statewide elections just around the corner , it is imperative that grassroots lobbying and volunteer efforts be kicked into full swing . PDA challenges our members to live up to the aforementioned quote of John Adams and cherish the fact that your vote as a dentist means something , even if others may disagree . The time and effort you , as members , put into November ’ s election will produce a profound result on future legislation . Whether it is contributing money to PADPAC , writing to your state elected officials or congressmen , or putting a candidate ’ s sign in your front yard , many legislators will feel your influence and appreciate your involvement .
When deciding whether to participate , remember the battles of those legislators up for re-election and their push to pass legislation for you . Remember in particular Sen . Jane Orie and Rep . Eddie Day Pashinski and their dedication to the dental profession by sponsoring and helping pass HB 602 , the EFDA scope of practice legislation , and those legislators who proudly voted in favor of its passage . Without the aspirations and the drive of these individuals , this bill would still be in limbo in the General Assembly . PDA encourages you to take the time to contact Sen . Orie and Rep . Pashinski especially , and thank them for their commitment to the profession .
And think about your PADPAC ’ s achievements and the daunting challenge of finding new ways to interact and voice your concerns to legislators . The importance of PADPAC should not go unmentioned ; by continuously donating to PADPAC you are investing in the future . You are investing in those noble men and women who serve our state proudly and who are everyday fighting for the interests of the dental profession . We want you to recognize the advantages of this investment , and challenge you to take a leap of faith and show your support . Legislators want to hear from you , and the more you get out and speak directly to them , the more likely legislators will hear your call .
As George Washington once said , “ Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation ; for ‘ tis better to be alone than in bad company . Speak no evil of the absent , for it is unjust . Undertake not what you cannot perform , but be careful to keep your promise . There is but one straight course , and that is to seek truth , and pursue it steadily . Nothing but harmony , honesty , industry and frugality are necessary to make us a great and happy nation .”
George Washington recognized the importance of banding together as an infant nation struggled to persevere through the almost impossible challenges . PDA recognizes the challenges we face everyday , and like Washington , we too can and will stick together and stay the course to write our own history . Invest in PDA , and we will surely make it worth your while . Together , we can accomplish anything .
Remember , the more member dentists speak up and contact legislators , the more we are combating opposition from insurance companies and other lobbies who are working against us . PDA and PADPAC are here to help you in this time of need , and no matter what the issue , we stand firmly behind you . As a reminder , all House of Representatives seats and one-third of Senate seats are up for re-election on November 2 . Reach out to your representatives and let them know you care and want to be heard . To find out who your representative is , please visit http :// www . legis . state . pa . us .
We remind you that we do not back a specific party , but only candidates who fight for your issues and your profession . To further discuss ways to become involved in the election process , donate to PADPAC or find out whom your representatives are , please contact Don Smith , government relations coordinator , at dls @ padental . org or ( 800 ) 223-0016 , ext . 108 .
Don Smith is a new member of the government relations team , and would be happy to attend district or local dental society meetings to discuss PADPAC or legislative issues . PDA encourages you to take advantage of this opportunity .
Become a
Mentor
PDA recognizes new dentists and dental students as the future of dentistry in Pennsylvania and wants to foster and encourage their participation in the organized dentistry community .
Please show your support for new dentists , dental students and the future of organized dentistry by agreeing to be a mentor .
Visit www . padental . org / mentoring to register as a mentor .
September / October 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal
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