The Ethics of Politics and Sports

Two recent stories in the news led me to thinking about our society today and the ethical world we live in.

Here in Oregon, Governor John Kitzhaber and his fiance’ Cylvia Hayes are facing multiple investigations by the Attorney General and The Oregon Ethics Commission for influence peddling, corruption and misuse of state resources.  The Governor has of course denied any wrongdoing but in the last week or two, the denials have become more obfuscated and remind many people of former President Bill Clinton’s famous “”It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is,” answer to an investigation into his sexual encounter with Monica Lewinsky.

Claiming he knows nothing about his fiance’s tax returns and backtracking on his definition of the “First Lady” as a public official, the whole thing unfortunately looks like an older man, taken in by a younger woman who had very ambitious plans for herself and used him to try and make those plans happen.  But the problem is that he is Oregon’s Governor and while many would feel sympathy for anyone who was taken advantage of, emotionally and financially, more and more it appears she not only took advantage of him but of all Oregonians in an attempt at personal gain and glory.

Ethically, they both had to know what they were doing was wrong or at the very least, in a very gray area.  Especially for Kitzhaber, who has been involved in politics for almost 40 years, he must have realized at some point that what was going on was just plain wrong.  If that is not the case, he had to be so befuddled and confused by his fiance’s charms as to raise other questions about his competency and ability to carry out the duties of the office of Governor.

This kind of naked ambition and the arrogance often accompanying it was also highlighted in another story recently release about the U.S. Little League World Series Champions from Chicago, IL.  After multiple investigations, it was found that the adults involved in drawing up the league boundary and registering players had falsified maps and otherwise rigged the system in order to recruit a “Super All Star” team to compete in the Little League World Series (LLWS).  The team ultimately won the US Little League World Series but have now had their title vacated because the truth has come out.

Once again, we see a situation where ethics were compromised or disregarded all in order for someone, or in this case an entire team and their families, to have a chance at fame and glory.  Some of those players may have stood to benefit financially from winning the LLWS either through endorsements, the possibility of scholarships or future baseball-related employment.  How many of the parents of those kids wouldn’t talk to college recruiters about their son or daughter winning the U.S. World Series and then competing internationally?  How many of them would try to turn a child’s game into a paycheck? Now, how many of them, and their children, are forever tainted as a member of the group of All Stars who were involved in rigging a Little League World Series?

As a President of a local Little League, this story is particularly difficult for me to hear about because every year, I have to turn away potential players who would like to play for us but can’t, precisely because of boundary issues.  It’s a difficult thing to do because I want those players to have a good experience and in many cases, the reasons are very innocent: They want to play with their friends, the parents work closer to our fields than their “home” fields and it would be easier on them, etc.  But I can’t take them and I won’t take them.

I won’t jeopardize our entire League’s future and reputation because someone wants to play with a friend.  As much as it pains me, I can’t put every other player at risk for the benefit of one or two players.  I wish we didn’t live in a world where that’s the way things have to be, but it is because of people like the parents of the Jackie Robinson West All Stars from Chicago, IL that we all must follow the rules and do what is right.

In both cases, ethics and any kind of a moral compass seem to have been discarded in favor of a “win at any cost” mentality where the prize and the glory were definitely more important than doing the right thing.  And in both cases, the negative effects of their actions have impacted many more people than just those individuals.

For the Jackie Robinson West All Star team, the punishment has been handed out now that the truth is known.

I only hope that Governor Kitzhaber and Ms. Hayes do the right thing before it’s too late and they do even more damage to Oregonians and our state.

“I’ll See You on the Field”

On March 30, 2013, Mike McLaran, former CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, President of McLaran Enterprises Inc. and a close friend and  part of team of Astley Consulting Group, Inc., passed away suddenly of a heart attack while running.

Mike’s passing has affected the Salem community and the entire state of Oregon deeply.  The work he accomplished on behalf of business, education and philanthropic organizations can never be measured.  Mike left the Salem Chamber in 2011 to start his own company but he reminded us all of the importance of getting involved and making a difference.

An avid baseball fan, Mike McLaran’s last article as CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is re-posted here and we at Astley Consulting Group, Inc. hope anyone who reads it takes the message to heart and takes action.

See you on the field

by Mike McLaran

The baseball season is in full swing again and it is a great time of the year. Someday, opening day of major league baseball should be declared a national holiday!

Ah yes, how many boys have dreamed of hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth to win the seventh game of the World Series and slowly rounding the bases with the roar of the crowd and their team mates waiting at home plate to begin the celebration.

But baseball is more than just a great sport; it has many lessons that apply to business and life. For example, great teams don’t happen by accident. They come together when talented individuals have complementary skills that build off the strengths and weaknesses of each other. That kind of team atmosphere will always allow the good work of one to make everyone shine.

A good team is flexible. If, as a hitter, you struggle against a pitcher the first time or two up to bat, you make adjustments and come back up again with determination to break through with a hit. If a team’s starting pitcher doesn’t have his usual good stuff, he works with what he has and depends on his team mates to pick him up. Adjustments during the game occur constantly and those that master the ability to adjust are the ones that walk away as winners.

And most importantly, if a championship team loses a player at the end of the season, they will still be a championship team.  In the end, all the greats have to retire their glove. As Cal Ripken, Jr. said, “The reality is that players can’t play forever.” But when a player is switched out, if the team is strong enough, there will not be a difference in the outcome of their games. The same is true in business.

The strength of the Salem Chamber does not lie with one person. It is built on a foundation of talented staff, a committed Board of Directors and the dedicated volunteer leaders who continue to use their time and talents to the benefit of this community. These are the things that remain stronger than ever.

I have every confidence that the Salem Chamber will continue to strive for excellence. This team will continue to innovate on behalf of this region. They will continue to work to create an atmosphere that allows business to thrive. They will continue to make this area a great place where business can prosper and families can live, work, play and shop.

The end of the season can be bittersweet. The leaves start to turn, the equipment is put away, the locker room is empty. But with that end comes the promise of a new season and new opportunities to grow and hone the skills that drive champions. And we’ll wait in anticipation as the revived home team takes the field and the umpire brushes off home plate, calling out, “Play ball!”

So the only question you will need to answer is will you be one that sits in the stands and just watches or will you get in the game and make positive things happen? As for me, it’s always game on, so, “Put me in Coach, I’m ready to play….”

We need to strive for a higher level of excellence in this state and not ever settle for a status quo that equates to mediocrity. I’ll see you on the field.

This was the final article written by Mike McLaran as CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Originally published in Business News, June 2011.

Primary Election Over, ACG Inc. Looks Ahead to the Fall

With the May Primary Election over in Oregon and Astley Consulting Group, Inc. winning seven of the eight races we were involved in, it’s time to look ahead to the fall election.  We are very proud to have represented the following candidates for office in the Primary:

Don Abar, Marion County Circuit Court Judge

Warren Bednarz, Salem City Council

Dan Clem, Polk County Commissioner

Kathy LeCompte, Oregon State Representative

Kelly Lovelace, Oregon State Representative

Patrick Sheehan, Oregon State Representative

Tootie Smith, Clackamas County Commissioner

Chris Telfer, Oregon State Senate

Looking ahead, we will also be involved in the Yes on Measure 79 campaign, the effort to preempt a real estate transfer tax on homeowners, farmers and businesses.  Our efforts there will be on education, grassroots mobilization and outreach. In addition, we are working with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Create Jobs PAC to honor Del Smith with the Annual Oregon Business Leadership Award and to support candidates and measures who promote the creation of private sector jobs.

With so many other races this November including a Presidential election and several statewide races, the airwaves and mailboxes will be full.  As always, Astley Consulting Group, Inc. will be looking to break through the clutter and noise of the others and make sure our clients’ messages stand out.

May Elections Continue Perfect Record for Astley Consulting Group Inc.

Building on the perfect record from November 2010, Astley Consulting Group, Inc. won both races it was involved in during the May Election this year.

Ron Johnson was successfully elected to the Cascade School District School Board, winning a contested election for an open seat.

Ron’s tremendous energy, experience and public speaking ability were all brought to bear along with several smart mail pieces and a grassroots strategy that included covering the district on the ground with a thorough door-to-door campaign and campaign signs placed to take advantage of visibility. Ron won the election with 58% of the vote, crediting Astley Consulting Group, Inc. and Greg Astley with the win.

“Obviously, it takes a committed candidate to win an election and Ron Johnson is a great example of a candidate who wanted to win and with the right strategy, did just that,” stated Greg Astley, President of Astley Consulting Group, Inc. “We are very pleased to congratulate Ron Johnson on a terrific effort and even better, a victory in his election for Cascade School Board.”

Astley Consulting Group, Inc.’s other race in May was also for a school board but this time in Salem-Keizer’s School District.

Jeff Faville, a young father of three, defeated his opponent in a tight race despite having no name recognition, little budget and with his opponent receiving the Statesman Journal’s endorsement.

“With Jeff, we developed a strategy of public appearances and utilized his network to create a door-to-door strategy to get him in front of voters,” said Astley. “Jeff has a lot of great ideas and he was the only candidate who actually has kids who could attend public schools. We wanted to make sure young parents were represented on the Salem-Keizer School Board and the voters agreed with us.”

Faville’s race was closer, coming down to 165 votes and taking four weeks after the election to finally be official.

“As a company and as individuals, you work hard to make sure your clients are happy and the work you put out there is high-quality and effective,” concluded Astley. “With these victories on the heels of our perfect record last year and the positive work we are doing with our other clients, we feel we are succeeding in that respect and are looking forward to helping others to achieve their goals and dreams.”

List of Sponsored Events Grows For Astley Consulting Group, Inc.

For the second year in a row, Astley Consulting Group, Inc. is proud to announce sponsorship of both the Roanoke Conference in Washington State and the Dorchester Conference in Oregon. In addition, they have sponsored the Sprague High School Varsity Baseball Program and Football Program as well as a community-based youth basketball team.

“Being an active member of our community and industry is very important to us,” said Astley Consulting Group, Inc. President Greg Astley. “We believe in giving back and staying involved and we encourage everyone in the company to do their part as well.”

The Roanoke Conference is a relatively new gathering for Republicans in Washington State offering a unique forum for lively political debate, networking, and information for those who want to get involved in local, regional or state politics. The conference brings together citizens and activists of all ages to network and interact with elected Republican leaders in a fun, social setting. In order to bring about long-term political change, a particular emphasis is placed on participation by career business men and women, young professionals and students at the collegiate level.

The Dorchester Conference is America’s oldest annual political conference. Then-State Representative Bob Packwood founded the conference in 1965. Since its inception, Dorchester has sought to have lively debate among political activists about timely issues facing the state, nation and world. Many major issues have made repeat visits, sometimes taking on different forms given the decade. Property tax limitations, sales taxes, financial support for education, and abortion are a few examples of issues debated at early Dorchester Conferences as well as more recent ones.

Charles A. Sprague High School is located in Salem, OR and is one of five high schools in the city. As an alumni of Sprague, Astley is proud to have the opportunity to give back to his alma mater.

“I have so many great memories of Sprague and have enjoyed going back for football and baseball games, wrestling matches, plays and choir concerts,” stated Astley. “To be able to give back both financially and with my time means a great deal to me personally.”

The community basketball team is run by a local sports and athletic club and works with youth from all across the Mid-Willamette Valley, teaching them fundamentals of the game as well as more advanced skills.

“We don’t participate in these activities for recognition or for profit,” concluded Astley. “We do it because we love the community we live in and we are grateful to our industry for their support over the years and giving back is one way we can show our appreciation.”

Astley Consulting Group Inc. Compiles Perfect Campaign Record for 2010 General Election

After a successful Primary election, Astley Consulting Group, Inc. announced it has won all its races in the General Election for 2010. Races included State Representative, County Commissioner and Mayor for the City of Salem.

“We are very pleased to announce these victories and congratulate our candidates on well-run and hard-fought races,” stated Greg Astley, President of Astley Consulting Group, Inc. “Being a part of winning races at all levels is both exciting and demonstrates our ability to adapt and run successful races no matter the circumstances, budget or size of the race.”

Patrick Sheehan won his race for State Representative (OR), beating his opponent by ten points and contributing to Republicans gaining six House seats. Democrats previously enjoyed a 36-24 advantage in the House. Sheehan’s race, among other victories, is part of a historic 30-30 tie in the Oregon House for 2011-2012.

Paul Savas, running for Clackamas County Commissioner, beat incumbent Bob Austin by 743 votes in a close race many thought he had no chance of winning.

“Paul’s race is a testament to hard work and outreach on the candidate’s part and a strategic direct mail plan designed to reach voters and persuade them to vote for Paul Savas,” said Astley. “Even with a limited budget we were able to effectively reach out to motivated voters and obviously, it worked since Paul Savas is the new Clackamas County Commissioner.”

Anna Peterson ran for Mayor of the City of Salem against Chuck Bennett, a City Councilor from Ward 1 in Salem. Her race was also a close one but ultimately, she prevailed and will take the oath of office come January.

“Obviously, we are very pleased with the results of these campaigns and we look forward to working on more winning campaigns in the future,” concluded Astley.

Astley Consulting Group Wins Tough Primary Race in Oregon

In a year when money for political campaigns is tight and competition is intense, Astley Consulting Group, Inc. is proud to announce a victory in the Primary race between our candidate, Patrick Sheehan and his opponent, John Swanson. Although some interested parties predicted a different outcome, ACG’s winning strategy, execution and hard work paid off for our client.

“In today’s economy, political campaigns are competing for dollars much like any other industry and a winning campaign has to include creative and innovative strategies and the experience to execute them correctly,” said Greg Astley, ACG President. “Of course, you have to have a candidate willing to work hard and we have that in Patrick Sheehan.”

Although some speculated Sheehan would lose the race to Swanson, Sheehan ultimately won in a landslide by 18 points. Sheehan goes on to face the Democrat candidate Cheryl Myers in the General Election race.

Astley Consulting Group, Inc. Proud Sponsor of Dorchester Conference in Seaside, OR

Astley Consulting Group Inc.’s history of sponsorship is already a strong one for a company not yet three years old.  In addition to sponsoring the 2009 Governor’s Conference on Tourism and the 2008 and 2009 Salem Film Festivals as well as the inaugural Roanoke Conference in Ocean Shores, WA, Greg Astley is proud to announce ACG Inc.’s sponsorship of the 2010 Dorchester Conference in Seaside, OR.

“This year’s Dorchester Conference should be a great one given the national climate for Republicans,” stated Astley.  “In addition, we have some great Republican gubernatorial candidates, Congressional candidates and more State Legislative candidates than I have seen in the last ten years.”

The three day conference will feature a debate between three of the Republican nominees for Governor as well as a keynote address by former U.S. Senator Gordon Smith.  Topics to be discussed include whether the State of Oregon should require locator beacons for hikers and climbers, restructuring Oregon Universities and reforming Oregon’s revenue system.

The Dorchester Conference is America’s oldest annual political conference. Then-State Representative Bob Packwood founded the conference in 1965. Packwood invited Republicans from around the state to the Dorchester House in Lincoln City, Oregon.  The first conference attracted about 200 participants for a lively discussion around the future of the politics in Oregon. At the end of the conference, delegates knew that this gathering was something special and would, in fact, be a driving force for years to come.

The early years of the Dorchester Conference were chaired by Bob Packwood, and the Conference is now run by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Dorchester is the only grassroots political conference of its kind in the nation and still thrives as it approaches its golden anniversary.

Dorchester IV marked the first year the conference began attracting nationally recognized speakers when Governor George Romney, a presidential candidate, became the keynote speaker. Over the years, Dorchester has hosted luminaries such as Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Nelson Rockefeller, Jack Kemp, Elizabeth Dole, Karl Rove, William Kristol and Gale Norton.

Notable Oregonians such as Tom McCall, Mark Hatfield, Norma Paulus, Gordon Smith, Clay Meyers, and Dave Frohnmeyer have also been a part of Dorchester; and Greg Walden, Bob Packwood and Vic Atiyeh all participate on a regular basis.

“I went to my first Dorchester Conference when I was about 14 and I still remember sitting with Bob Packwood at my table and what a thrill it was to be a part of something this special.  There is nothing like Dorchester in the rest of the country and certainly, we are proud to be a part of this historic conference and look forward to seeing what new ideas come out of this weekend,” concluded Astley.

Astley Consulting Group, Inc. Chosen to Help Salem-Keizer Transit with Redesign Rollout

Twenty-eight marketing and communications firms from around the country requested copies of an RFP from Salem-Keizer Transit recently.

The purpose for the RFP was divided into several important areas:

– One, work with Salem-Keizer Transit to design, promote and explain a rollout of new routes, times and service to riders, the Salem-Keizer Community and others;

– Two, to conduct public opinion research and public outreach with regard to perceptions of Salem-Keizer Transit and their branding and

– Three, to establish a five to ten-year marketing and communications plan for Salem-Keizer Transit.

Astley Consulting Group, Inc. partnered with Barney & Worth, Inc. and Davis, Hibbits, Midghall to present an incredibly strong proposal that was overwhelmingly chosen by the panel of judges.

Barney & Worth, Inc. and Davis, Hibbits, Midghall worked together on public opinion, research and outreach for the City of Salem in relation to their streets and bridges bond.  Astley Consulting Group, Inc. used that information to create a winning campaign for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem.  Ultimately, the campaign spent less than 1/8th what Salem-Keizer School District spent on its campaign and came within a percentage point of the School District’s final figure.  Both bonds passed in November 2008.

The new routes will take effect September 8, 2009 and the public opinion and outreach will begin after that date.  The campaign’s theme is “New Routes, Faster Times, Better Service“.

Astley Consulting Group, Inc. is a proud sponsor of Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Salem Film Festival

For the second year in a row, Astley Consulting Group, Inc.  is proud to be a sponsor of the Salem Film Festival.

The mission of the Salem Film Festival is to bring exceptional films and filmmakers to Salem for the purpose of showcasing independent film talent, providing educational opportunities for amateur and student filmmakers, fostering film appreciation in the community, strengthening the local economy, and improving  Salem’s quality of life.

This event is put on by exceptional people including one of our valued team, Allied Video Productions.  We encourage you to make plans to attend next year as you will see some first class films and have the chance to meet the filmmakers.

ACG Inc. is also proud to be a first-time sponsor of the 2009 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism.  ACG Inc. co-sponsored the Fun Walk for Monday and Tuesday and even got founder and company President Greg Astley out to lead the walk on Tuesday morning.

As a former Executive Director for the Salem Downtown Association and longtime Salem resident, Greg was able to highlight some of the historical sites as well as recent developments taking place in downtown Salem.
The Governor’s Conference itself was a huge success and will be held at the Bend Riverhouse Resort and Convention Center next year.

As with all our sponsorships and partnerships, ACG Inc. is pleased to be able to support local and statewide organizations who work to make our state a better place to live, work or recreate.