Learn to count.

That was the first word of advice from former Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson, R-Lakewood, to new legislators at the last event of orientation on Wednesday.

Anderson was joined by three other distinguished former lawmakers, all who served in the Colorado General Assembly: former U.S. Senator Hank Brown, R-Colo., former Governor Dick Lamm and former state Senator Penfield Tate, D-Denver.

John Straayer of Colorado State University moderated the December 10 panel at the History Colorado Museum, attended by about 50 legislators, spouses and staff from the Legislative Council and Legislative Legal Services.

Straayer noted the panelists collectively represent more than 100 years of legislative experience. Anderson and Tate both said the first-year legislators were about to embark on an experience they would never forget. All the panelists also advised the new lawmakers not to be too quick to commit on a vote, to be accurate and patient, and from Anderson, to “know where the bodies are buried.”

New lawmakers also should remember that their reputation is everything, so be trustworthy and honest, and learn to work across the aisle. “I had role models” like Hank Brown and former Governor Bill Owens, who also served in the legislature, said Lamm. They were civil and knew how to disagree without being disagreeable. “Speak honestly and keep your world. Your reputation can be easily lost,” he added.

Brown suggested that they learn to be concise at the microphone. Long speeches don’t sway anyone, he explained. “You will find that the best legislators give short speeches and they rarely speak unless they know more than anyone else in the chamber on the subject. Nothing establishes a bad reputation [more] than getting up on the floor and droning on and on.”

The panel also had a few words about lobbyists, not always complimentary. Brown said they can be knowledgeable about the issues, and the good ones will tell a lawmaker both sides of the issue. Anderson agreed, but said during her time in the capitol, if a lobbyist was not honest, “we kicked them out… I hate to see what’s happened recently, because they’re not,” she added. No legislator wants to hear from 20 lobbyists on a bill instead of a “real person” like a constituent, Tate said.

Lamm also warned the new legislators to beware of lobbyist parties in favor of spending time with their families. “You don’t have to go to all” of those parties, he said. There’s something going on every night, and that can take time away from the family.

All the panelists urged the new legislators to remember that they represent all the people in their districts, not just those from their own political party. “People will know you will not please them all the time,” said Lamm. Brown noted that constituents will understand if the lawmaker explains how he or she voted on an issue. The question is not “whether they agree, but if [the vote comes] from a logical conclusion.”

Rep.-elect Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, asked about the pitfalls that may face the new lawmakers in the coming months. Tate recounted that early on, he committed too early on a bill carried by a Republican in an effort to be collegial. But once the bill got to the floor, he realized it wasn’t something he could support, but “once you give your work, you have to keep it.” The lesson learned? “Don’t commit too quickly, especially on things you don’t understand.”

Tate came into the legislature just as term limits were going into effect. He said one Republican, who had served for many years, told him that if “you’re not on the floor or in committee, get out of here” and go home to his wife and young children. “That’s what I needed to do for myself, my family and my career,” Tate explained.

The panelists briefly turned the tables on Straayer, who has been an observer at the Capitol for many decades, and asked what he would suggest. Straayer said legislators should think about what they can do for the next generation. Most have college degrees and many from the state’s public institutions. “You didn’t build those institutions,” Straayer said. “You have an obligation to look further down the road. Straayer also said lawmakers should remember that their reputation will remain at the capitol long after they’ve finished serving. “You want to be remembered as honest, trustworthy and that you did your homework. Not as a political hack who was looking at the next election all the time.”

Finally, legislators should read up quickly on the state’s most important fiscal issues, according to the panelists. Anderson asked for a show of hands on who could explain the Gallagher amendment, and only two people raised their hands. Only four said they could explain TABOR. “Those are the things you need to know to make the decisions that will impact our children and grandchildren,” Anderson said.

— Marianne@coloradostatesman.com