Every few years, our nation gathers in an attempt to change the political landscape. Can we guess how the changes coming this fall will impact the environmental industry? I wonder…..

We are in the midst of a hard slugging political contest between the democrats and the republicans for the 2012 presidential election. Yes, there are other parties involved but they seldom have a significant impact on the outcome. Our country basically is controlled by the two largest parities. I think most of us can agree that the outcome of this election (as well as any election) will impact our jobs in the next four years. How can we guess just what that impact might be?

We can listen to political debates and read Obama’s and Romney’s speeches and websites. However, what politician has the credibility that we believe all they say. After all, how many times have we heard the expression, “That is just politics.” While there are some people that believe every word one side or the other proclaims, most of us have doubts. Political promises are made with no methods of accountability. After all, according to dictionary.com, the definition of the word promise is a declaration that something will or will not be done, or and indication of what may be expected. In other words, a promise is not a contract.

Another source of information is our multitude of news services. Whatever your political leaning is, there is a news service that will prop you up. According to a recent poll released Aug. 15, 2012 by Scott Rasmussen, a well-known national pollster, 59 percent believe the media in general gives Obama better treatment while 18 percent favors Romney. That leaves 23 percent that are unsure.

A Chance to Get an Honest Opinion
We recently asked ourselves a number of questions. What can we expect in our industry if President Barak Obama is re-elected? What could happen if the republican offer of Mitt Romney is victorious? Will the republicans maintain control of the House of Representative and/or the Senate? What expectations might there be if the democrats garner control? Then we asked ourselves how we might make such prognostications and where we might gather information we can share with our audience?

We thought that an honest discussion with political insiders would provide thoughtful information to allow people to make an informed decision and form expectations. Lynn Bergeson, P.C. has been writing our Legal Lookout column since the mid-1980s. We contacted her and she helped us set up a discussion between her and James Aidala, P.C., their Senior Government Consultant. Both are well-know and respected in Washington, D.C. circles and their peers and are ready to face off to discuss the issues listed herein as well as others.

I think this is an unprecedented opportunity to hear the opinions of two people who are actively involved in Washington politics and perhaps can provide insight that is just not available in mainstream media. I would like to personally invite everyone to register and sign up for this free event that will be held at 2:00 pm ET on September 19. Go to https://vts.inxpo.com/Launch/QReg.htm?ShowKey=10639&AfilliateData=website to register. Bring lots of questions.