Steve Clark, Mass. Restaurant Association
As the new director of government affairs for the Southborough-based Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Steve Clark is already a familiar face in the Massachusetts legislative arena. For the past seven years he has been responsible for budget and legislative proposals for state Sen. Majority Whip Marian Walsh. Here he discusses the importance of advocacy in the legislative process.
Vital Stats
Name: Stephen Clark
Residence: Ashland
Family: Wife Meghan, son Grady
Education: Bachelor's in political science, UMass Amherst
Previous job: Legislative staffer in Massachusetts State Senate
Start date at new job: January 2011
Q: How are you settling in at your new office?
A: I am getting very comfortable in my new position. My co-workers are great and they go out of their way to answer any questions I may have. We have had a busy start to the New Year collaborating on our priorities for the new legislative session.
Q: What challenges do you see in your new position?
A: I would like to encourage our members to continue to be engaged in grassroots organization. Very often, it takes more than one attempt to achieve a goal, especially a legislative victory. I want to stress to them the importance of advocating to their elected officials. Advocacy is important in not only talking about issues that they support but also in educating their elected officials about proposals that may harm the industry.
Q: What's your favorite thing about Central Massachusetts?
A: Location. The MRA is located right on the cusp of Eastern and Central Massachusetts, with easy access to the Pike, 495 and 128. The great thing about our location is the close proximity to the entire commonwealth. We can be in Springfield, the Cape or Lowell in an hour. We can be at the State House in 35 minutes.
Q: How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A: I always had an interest in government and politics. I grew up in the West Roxbury section of Boston where they say politics is a sport. The neighborhood is very politically active. I imagined I would be doing something in the political arena.
Q: How far is your commute to the office?
A: My commute is great. I work about 15 minutes from my house. It gives me more time to spend with my wife and new baby.
Q: What could local and state governments do to make things better for your industry?
A: I think it is important for our state and local governments to recognize the contributions of the restaurant industry as vital to the economic recovery. In Massachusetts, the restaurant industry accounts for nearly 10 percent of the state's workforce. Nationally, of the 1.1 million jobs added in 2010, restaurant jobs accounted for 188,000. The industry is harmed and jobs are cut when the meals tax is increased.
Our legislative proposals include allowing restaurants to host education and informational meetings for doctors. This restriction on restaurants was part of the so-called pharmaceutical industry gift ban and unfairly eliminates functions held inside a restaurant. Additionally, we would like to see a new alcohol license for caterers and allow private clubs and veterans organizations to re-cork an unfinished bottle of wine purchased in conjunction with a meal.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
A: Right now, I enjoy spending time at home with my family and enjoying all the new things my son is learning to do. I like to play golf and read. Currently I am counting down the days till the Red Sox season opens.
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