This one-page,
Minnesota-selected document is a memo to Fred Panzer
(Vice President of Issues Management at the Tobacco Institute) from
a Tobacco Institute public relations consultant cautioning him
about the proper use of economists as spokespersons for
the tobacco industry. The consultant explains that the use
of economists allows the industry
to shift the debate about a piece of tobacco control
legislation away from the health issue ("which the TI cannot
win") and toward a discussion of economics and
public policy":
"Indeed, the economists can be most useful to
the industry in shifting the debate on a piece of legislation away
from the health argument (which TI cannot win) and toward a
discussion of economics and public policy. This can only be
accomplished, however, if the economists are representing some
local interest other than the tobacco
manufacturers."
This memo is
useful a demonstration of why the industry and its
supporters frequently use the tactic of shifting the
debate over tobacco issues away from the topic of health and
onto economic and public policy issues.
Quotes:
From: Maureen Delanty
Date: 1/31/85
To: Fred Panzer
RE: Use of Economic/Public Policy Consultants
The most important thing to remember in using the
economists is that these people cannot address the health
question. This means they should never testify on behalf of
The Tobacco Institute or the manufacturers in any capacity.
In the best possible situation, they should be
representing a coalition of state business and labor
interests. When this is not possible, any group of local
businessmen would be satisfactory.
Indeed, the economists can be most useful to the
industry in shifting the debate on a piece of legislation
away from the health argument (which TI cannot win) and
toward a discussion of economics and public policy. This can
only be accomplished, however, if the economists are
representing some local interest other than the tobacco
manufacturers.
The point should also be made that these
economists are not "silver bullets." They are meant to be
used in addition to and along with other industry strategies
to defeat a piece of legislation.
As for timing -- depending on the complexity of
what is being asked for -- four to six weeks advance notice
is ideal for completing research, drafting testimony, and
briefing the economist. However, something can almost always
be prepared on shorter notice. In many situations, we can
also help with identifying possible front groups in a local
area.
Panzer, Fred (VP of Issues Management at TI,
c. 1988)
Vice president of The Tobacco Institute, early
1970's
Jim Savarese - President of James Savarese and
Associates, an economic consulting firm headquartered in
Washington, D.C., with associates at major universities in
more than 40 states. The company was founded In 1981. Savarese produced
economic studies and provided economic experts to testify on
the industry's behalf in dozens of legislative settings at all
levels of government. From 1972-81, Savarese served in
several important capacities with the American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), one of the
largest unions in the AFL-CIO. (Ref. Bates No.
TIDN0003000/3009)
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