The Local Government Liaison (LGL) monitors local government dockets consistently, offers local, organized support quickly when necessary, and is known in the local amateur community as the point man for local government problems. LGLs are appointed by and report to the Section Manager, or State Government Liaison (acting under delegated authority from the SM).
Responsibilities:
Monitors proposals and actions by local government bodies and officials which may affect Amateur Radio, for working with the local PIO to alert section leadership officials and area amateurs to any such proposals or actions, and for coordinating local responses. Serves as a primary contact for amateurs encountering problems dealing with local government agencies, for those who want to avoid problems and for local officials who wish to work with amateurs or simply learn more about Amateur Radio. Monitor proposals and actions of town/city councils, zoning boards, zoning appeals boards, and any other legislative or regulatory agencies or officials below the state level whose actions can directly or indirectly affect Amateur Radio. Attend meetings of those bodies when possible, to become familiar with their policies, procedures and members. Assist local amateurs in their dealings with local boards and agencies. Be available to educate elected and appointed officials, formally and informally, about the value of Amateur Radio to their community. Work with the PIO or PIC to inform local amateurs, the SGL and the SM of any proposals of actions which may affect Amateur Radio, and report regularly on progress or lack thereof. Work with the PIO to organize the necessary local response to any significant proposals or actions, either negative or positive, and coordinate that response. Refer amateurs seeking ARRL Volunteer Counsels to HQ. Register on mailing list for Planning Commission meeting agendas. Work with the PIO and local clubs to build and/or maintain good relations between Amateur Radio and local officials. (for example, invite the mayor to a club dinner or council members to Field Day.)
State Government Liaison (SGL) The State Government Liaison (SGL) is an Amateur Radio operator who is cognizant of state legislative and regulatory proposals in the normal course of events and who can monitor and respond appropriately to those proposals having the potential to affect Amateur Radio. This is an active, responsive mission, not merely a passive, "stand by the sidelines and watch" function.
Responsibilities:
Collects and promulgates information on state legislation and regulation affecting Amateur Radio and works closely with Clubs and the Section Manager(s) in assuring that the laws work to the mutual benefit of society and the Amateur Radio Service. The importance of working closely with clubs (the critically-important local representatives of Amateur Radio), and ARRL Section Managers, cannot be overemphasized. Keep in close contact with your clubs and SMs! Guides, encourages and supports individual radio amateurs and clubs in representing the interests of the Amateur Radio Service at all levels, including the federal level, when needed and coordinated with the ARRL Headquarters. The active SGL also cooperates closely with other section-level officials, particularly the Section Emergency Coordinator and the Public Information Coordinator. Reports directly to the Section Manager regularly and also keeps ARRL Headquarters informed of all appropriate activities and developments involving the interface of Amateur Radio and government legislative or regulatory matters, particularly those with policy implications. Ideally, the SGL will have access to, or a relationship with, the bill room at the state capitol in order to examine legislation as it is introduced. It is also helpful for the SGL to monitor the dockets of relevant state agencies such as the department of environmental protection, which might promulgate regulations affecting Amateur Radio. In addition, the SGL will monitor the news for stories of regulatory or legislative initiatives. When monitoring and responding to state issues, SGLs should watch for key words that could affect Amateur Radio. Antennas (dish, microwave, PCS, cellular, towers, structures, satellite, television, lighting), Mobile radio, radio receivers, radio interference, television interference, scanners, license plates, cable television, ham radio, headphones in automobiles, lightning protection, antenna radiation, biological effects of radio signals are a few of the examples of what to look for. In those states where there is more than one section, the Section Managers whose territories do not encompass the state capital may simply defer to the Liaison appointed by their counterpart in the section where the state capital is located. In this case, the Liaison is expected to communicate equally with all Section Managers (and Section Emergency Coordinators and other section-level League officials). In sections where there is more than one government entity (i.e., Maryland-DC and Pacific) there may be a Liaison appointed for each entity. The job of heading off potentially undesirable state government actions is critically important to the Amateur Radio community! Be active and responsive, and above all, work closely with your clubs, Section Managers, and ARRL Headquarters.
