MEET RANDY POLLACK

It is a given that chief among any state self storage association’s interests are state laws that pertain to the industry. After all, a state association’s primary responsibility is to take care of its members. With that in mind, the CSSA is highly active in California politics. Thus, the fact that the CSSA has tabbed lawyer/lobbyist Randy Pollack to actively engage California legislators in 2013 is a very good thing, indeed.

Lien laws, taxes and which information avenues self storage owner/operators should choose to inform the public about lien offenders and upcoming auctions are all key issues for CSSA members. The role that print media play in getting the word out is being questioned, especially in light of the financial burden it places on self storage owner/operators and the fact that the internet has become a form of media all unto itself.

Here’s a look at Pollack and some thoughts from him about the year ahead.

Pollack grew up in a small town in upstate New York where, during his youth, he worked in his father’s department store.

"I learned that being successful requires dedication to the business, long hours (we were closed only three days a year) and most importantly ensuring that our customers were satisfied,” Pollack says. "I turned this experience of working with people into interning for Congressman Jack Kemp during my college years.”

Pollack then attended McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento so he could pursue his interest in government work. He began his career in government on the staff of Governor George Deukmejian, who eventually appointed him to chief deputy for Legal Affairs. Pollack then served in the Legislature as chief of staff to an assemblyman and chief consultant to the Assembly Agriculture Committee. In 1997 he left government and joined a prominent law firm doing lobbying and legislative work. Finally, in 2006, he started his own firm where he represented several state and national trade associations and companies before the Legislature and executive branch agencies.

And now he also is a lobbyist for the CSSA. Pollack is excited about the new year and outlines his priorities for the upcoming year.

"The 2013 legislative session will have over 40 new members (out of 120) taking office.  2013 is an important year as term limits have changed and members can now serve a total of 12 years in either or a combination of both houses of the Legislature. One of our first priorities will be meeting with all new members and educating them about the self storage industry, how they operate, and the important role they play in our communities.  As for our legislative agenda, CSSA is still finalizing potential legislative ideas that will streamline lien laws for operators. A rollout of the legislation will take place in late January or early February.”

What does Pollack think are the most compelling strategies for getting state legislators in the self storage camp?

"Several years ago we had the opportunity of working with many legislators and legislative staff in passing changes to California’s lien laws,” Pollack says. "These relationships have continued and along with meeting new legislators, we believe we will have a strong network to support CSSA’s legislative agenda. These relationships have been developed based upon CSSA’s willingness to spend the necessary time in the Capitol and at the local level with legislators to convey issues of importance to the industry.”

And how can CSSA members be of service to Pollack?

"I have worked with many trade associations over the years,” he says. "Many times the association’s membership is hesitant to get involved in the political process. However, when CSSA introduced legislation several years ago, the support of the membership was vigorous and focused. Our legislation passed without a single ‘No’ vote. This was due in great part to the outstanding effort of CSSA members who responded to our requests to send in letters and make phone calls to their local legislators.”

"For our 2013 legislative agenda,” Pollack concludes, "we will be providing updates to the membership and developing a grassroots action plan where members will once again be asked to help our legislative efforts through writing and meeting with their local legislators.  The bottom line is that you are the experts, and yours is the credible voice in our effort!”

So, as the holiday season winds down, it will be time to turn your attention to 2013. The CSSA and Randy Pollack already have.