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Voices in Salem Five lobbyists from Southern Oregon are giving the region a bigger presence in the Oregon Legislature this session. A series this week profiles each: Thursday -- Kip Lombard and Leigh Johnson: wielding influence from home Today -- John Watt: at work for 10 businesses Saturday -- Steve Vincent: an Avista Corp. employee who also promotes regional community projects Sunday -- Lon Holston: union advocate Watt gives voice to county Business clients want transportation improvement By PETER WONG John Watt's transition from state representative to Southern Oregon advocate generally has been smooth. But early this session, he was caught walking on a side aisle next to the House chamber, off-limits to lobbyists during certain times. "As a member, you get used to being able to go everywhere," said Watt, who in January completed eight years as a representative from Medford's District 50. "So I did not realize I was in the wrong place. Suddenly, you get your ears pinned back for being where you are not supposed to be a half-hour before a session." Another change: Legislators park free in the garage underneath the Capitol; lobbyists pay for parking on the street. "I say jokingly that I never realized how the weather in Salem was so nasty," Watt said. But Watt said he understands his new role as an advocate for Jackson County government and 10 Medford businesses, including Burrill Resources. "I am not here to tell legislators how to make state policies," he said. "But I am surprised how many new members knew who I was before I walked through the doors this session." All of Watt's clients want more money for road work and other transportation needs, especially for improvements of the north and south Medford interchanges with Interstate 5. Watt said their top priority this session fits well with his main experience last session, because he chaired the Legislature's joint budget subcommittee on transportation in 1997. He was part of a group of legislators that devised a package of increased taxes and fees to pay for transportation needs. The House passed it twice, but the Senate rejected it. Working with many of the same legislators and lobbyists on the same issue this session, Watt is on familiar ground. He said his biggest challenges are to keep his Southern Oregon clients informed and reflect their desires in whatever legislation is developed. "I suppose that for most of them, the legislative process is much like watching a rocket launch," he said. "Anyone can appreciate the enormity of the rocket going up, but the complexities of building and launching the rocket are beyond the comprehension of most people." Watt maintains his home in Medford, where his wife, Cathy, works, but stays in Salem during the week while the Legislature is in session. He is the first of the region's lobbyists with multiple clients, giving Southern Oregon interests more of a presence during sessions. He said the region has more prominence because of its recent population surge and increased involvement in statewide issues by business and political leaders. Southern Oregon has had a succession of individual leaders in the state political arena, but the Republican takeovers of the Oregon House in 1991 and the Oregon Senate in 1995 have enabled senior legislators from Southern Oregon to attain leadership positions. As a lobbyist, Watt works with his father-in-law, Fred Segrest, who was also his legislative assistant in the 1995 and 1997 sessions. A retired manager in the state Senior and Disabled Services Division, Segrest handles health issues. Besides transportation, Watt is watching and working with several other issues for county government, including more state aid for district attorneys. But Watt said the range of issues he has as a lobbyist is not nearly as wide as those he had as a legislator. He said despite the tensions, his new job is still more relaxed than the old. "As a member, I could tell it was time to start thinking about adjournment by this time (in) a session because my eye would start twitching," he said. One of only three representatives from Medford this century to serve four terms in the Oregon House, Watt said his new job has given him a way to stay involved in the lawmaking process. "I have always been accused of sticking my nose into other people's business," he said with a laugh. "This continues to give me an opportunity to do that -- and I think I am good at it." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA