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Two lobbying firms pitch statehouse representation to Huron County commissioners
Summary
Northway Advisors and Cypress Hill presented competing statehouse advocacy pitches to the board, stressing capital-bill timing and the need for local presence in Columbus; firms advised pairing outside advocacy with county officials' direct engagement.
Two statehouse advocacy firms presented to the Huron County Board of Commissioners during the Jan. 13 meeting, each urging the county to consider outside representation to pursue grants and capital-bill funding.
At 9:09 a.m. Trint Hatt and partner Brad McLean of Northway Advisors described the firm's experience in lobbying and local government relations and asked elected leaders, "Can you afford to not have a lobbyist?" Hatt argued the firm could track capital-bill opportunities and give county officials earlier notice about potential state funding shifts, adding that the board should plan now for likely property-tax and income-tax changes at the state level.
At 9:25 a.m. Mike Caputo of Cypress Hill, who identified himself as the firm's president and a former state-government staffer, emphasized his firm's track record obtaining appropriations for local governments. Caputo noted that courthouses typically are ineligible for traditional capital-bill funds unless the project is framed with a cultural or historical benefit, but he said alternative state funding pathways and targeted grant strategies can sometimes be used to advance courthouse and other local capital needs.
Why it matters: Both presenters told the board the next capital bill and changes in state tax policy could create funding gaps and opportunities; they urged the county to combine professional advocacy with officials' in-person engagement in Columbus to increase the chances of securing state resources.
What commissioners asked and said: Commissioners pressed the presenters on geographic inclusiveness for small villages and townships, how much staff time would be required, and whether the firms could make meetings in Columbus efficient. Vickie Ziemba, Administrator/Clerk, asked whether the courthouse renovation would be a capital-bill candidate; Caputo said not under standard capital-bill rules but suggested a cultural-historical tie could open specific opportunities.
Next steps: The presentations were informational; the board did not take action at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to include the topic on a future agenda for further discussion and to brief absent Commissioner Harry Brady.
