Judy Johnson
Lagniappe
TPA President 2005-06

Sixteen Texans represented our Lone Star State at the National Newspaper Association’s Government Affairs Conference early last month in Washington, D.C. Buddy and I were fortunate to be among the delegation.

The GAC is a great way for newspaper publishers across the nation to share their collective concerns with national leaders under one forum. The GAC gives publishers face-to-face contact with legislators and decision-makers at the national level.

One of the most exciting events was hearing President Bush speak, shaking his hand and having a few seconds to talk to him. I had seen him many times while he was governor but not in person since he became president.

During the conference we also visited the National Press Club, which dates back to 1908. It was most interesting to tour the place where presidents have addressed the nation’s top journalists for decades.

We also met with our Congressman Ron Paul and one of his aides took us and Larry and Susie Jackson on a tour of the Capitol. We watched government in action while Paul voted on the House floor.

We also had a very brief visit with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and had our picture made with her.

The conference programs were well organized and very informative. We heard some great speakers address the issues concerning our nation. At times they talked specifically about our industry.

As is the case at most newspaper conventions though, the networking is one of the real treats. Exchanging ideas and thoughts with fellow publishers is an invaluable experience.

We met publishers from all over the United States and even though we came from vastly different geographies we all shared similar concerns about the future of our industry. The GAC is a great forum for bringing those concerns to light and discussing solutions.

We also built in a little fun while we were in Washington.

The Texas delegation went to a fondue restaurant one night for dinner. That was a very different and unique experience. It was the first time for most of our group but we had a lot of fun sampling the interesting food.

Buddy also got a lesson in belly dancing at the Marakesh, a Moroccan restaurant. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Buddy.

We toured the Italian Embassy where they served us Italian pastries and espresso.

It was a great honor and pleasure to represent Texas at the GAC. This was our second trip to the GAC and hopefully not our last.