In a recent article published in CU Times, David Baumann writes of a conversation he had with a creditunion lobbyist who works for one of the national credit union tradeorganizations. In response to a question as to why credit unionshave not had any face time with President Trump, the lobbyistresponded, “I am not concerned about access to thisadministration.” When asked if his association has sought a meetingwith the President, he responded, “We've had a lot of contact withthe administration during the last several months. I'm going toleave it at that.” Translated one may take that to mean theyhave not returned our calls.

Remember now, this was an executive of a national tradeorganization discounting the importance of sitting down with thePresident of the United States to discuss the issues that facecredit unions and the millions of individuals who belong to thosefinancial institutions.

These comments came after banking associations and their membershave already enjoyed two face to face meetings with the individualwho not only appoints credit union regulators but also sets theagenda they are to follow in the financial regulatory arena. Thebankers have had their opportunity to visit the Rose Garden, shakehands with the President, have their pictures taken and are nowable to say “we have access.”

There is nothing better than face time. In today's social mediaenvironment too much personal interaction is by computer or cellphone. You can work with or for someone and never actually see whatthey look like. Recognizing this, our technological leaders made itpossible for us to Skype with someone on our computers or FaceTimewith them on our phones. They realized it was important to looksomeone in the eye, see their reaction and get up close andpersonal without actually being in the same room. The only thingbetter is a real life, face to face sit down.

I was pleased to see that the “we don't need to see thePresident attitude” was not expressed by the CEO of the lobbyists'association. And I would hope he understands the importance ofaccess to the administration and meeting with the person at thetop. It might however be a good idea to tell his employee thataccess is everything. That is something every true lobbyistunderstands.

A person being paid to advocate for credit unions and secureaccess for them at every level of government should not be publiclymaking statements on their inability to do so.

Michael Fryzel is a Chicago-based attorney and formerchairman of the NCUA board. He can be reached [email protected].