With the elections on our minds, have you ever wondered how politics affects the world of credit? If you haven't, you should.

Regardless of your political persuasion, the people who govern us have an impact on our daily lives. This is true and applicable to our careers and how we conduct business. When it comes to politics and government, I want to quote Dr Seuss; "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

To demonstrate the significance of the influence of politics on our business take a small piece of the puzzle and look at the evolution of the Mechanics' Lien laws over the past several years. We have gone from a simplistic means to file a lien for unpaid debts as suppliers to the often difficult task to fulfill requirements that are firmly controlled by timely actions to even preserve the right to file.

Oh yes, try to collect on a lien without spending a fist full of dollars. If you are lucky enough to collect the debt from the State Lien Recovery Fund, just remember the monies invested are not coming back. Doesn't that sound like a ton of fun at your expense? Well it is.

My observation is that the focus of our legislative members and processes is one of special or personal interest. That may sound harsh to some. But, it is my opinion formulated after closely observing the reasons for the evolution of the lien laws and the birth of the State Construction Registry. I can't discredit the end results, as there is some value to them. But, without watching the legislative process, I might not have known what pending legislation was going to impact me and my profession.

The lesson learned is to be more involved with our governing bodies. I sincerely hope you are asking yourself "How can I be more involved?" I hope you're not asking the question "Do I have the time, or can I invest the effort?" Because, that is exactly what it takes to be proactive with government. Look at it this way, the more time invested in seeking answers doubles the return in knowledge.

Where could you start? I suggest the best place to begin is interacting with people in your profession or industry. Yes, I mean NACM and ICEL. And there are other professional associations that you may join or already be a member of that can be a great source of knowledge.

Talking to others with similar objectives and problems can give you an invaluable insight into the business environment. Ask your peers questions or convey concerns. If the rumor mill is cranking out something that alarms or interests you, then seek out those around you for assistance in researching and seeking answers.

Do your own research. Never leave opinion as truth. Verify concerns for yourself. Check online at "utah.gov" under Legislative. On their main page you have a myriad of options to begin your research. Read the pending bills for which you may have an interest. You can track the bills progress through this web site. Get involved by contacting your representatives.

Communicate concerns to your leaders at work. They might have a shared concern and possibly have connections or permit you to make connections with political leaders.

To quote one of my heroes, Abraham Lincoln "We live in the midst of alarms; anxiety beclouds the future; we expect some new disaster with each newspaper we read."  How true does this ring in our world today?

Be involved. research, vote and be vigilant in watching and learning. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." Another great quote from Abraham Lincoln.