The business of politics

Business and politics mix well, say those who look beyond the bottom line for ways to give back to the world.

But they caution that no one should expect to become a fat cat in local politics.

"You're stupid, insincere or a crook if you think you're going to make money in public service," said State Sen. Mark Amodei during a recent forum hosted by Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

Added State Controller Kim Wallin, "I took a cut in pay. But I'd reached a point in my career when I could afford to do it."

John Breternitz, formerly executive vice president at Q&D Construction, said the traits developed in business planning and consensus building translate to public office.

And Sharon Zadra, president of Marketing Synergists and Reno City Councilwoman, said, "We need business thinking, analytical types on the council."

However, she advised candidates to give a lot of thought to the financial hit faced by business owners who run for office.

Initially, she said, "I took my business down to 50 percent, and after eight months down another 50

percent." Finally, she says,

"I kept one client to keep the business open to return to later."

Breternitz decided to retire from Q&D to allow time to run for office.

Since going on the campaign trail in October, Breternitz has worked 60-hour weeks, calling the effort "a full time job in itself."

When throwing his hat in the ring, Washoe County Commissioner Bob Larkin turned to family, and his son runs the business now.

When Gino Martini took on the job as mayor of Sparks, he held a full-time job as loan manager at Great Basin Federal Credit Union. He juggled the two jobs by starting his workday at 5 a.m.

Wallin, meanwhile, found a trusted friend to take charge of her CPA practice, DK Wallin Ltd., during her four-year term as controller.

But the best-laid plans can go astray.

The friend took another job, and now Wallin flies between Reno and Las Vegas weekly.

Those who carry both business and political jobs need a support staff, be it business partners or family members.

"It's a full time job alongside your full time job," says Glen Dawson, a partner at Investment Paradigms and a candidate for the State Assembly. But after 12 years in the company, he feels confident relying on his business partners a good friend and his spouse to hold the fort.

Julia Ratti, president and chief executive officer of Strategic Management Services, fortified her staff with

two consultants as she launched a campaign for Sparks City Council.

"As we get closer to the meat of campaign season, I have moved more work over to consultants," she said.

Winning a job that pays a little takes a lot.

"Campaign costs of $175,000 included $25,000 of my own money," said Wallin of the state controllers race.

Zadra pegs the campaign costs of her Reno City Council seat at $110,000 for the primary and $190,000 for the general election, with most of the spending allocated for advertising.

Politicians allow there may be a business payback at some far future date.

"Will it help me in the future?" said Zadra. "Possibly. More people will know what kind of thinker I am responsive."

And Wallin said, tongue-in-cheek, that her CPA firm picked up some clients: "Democrats who heard there's a Democrat accountant out there."

Business people interested in politics should start small, said all the candidates. "Get involved in boards, commissions," said Larkin. "Get into the CABs and NABs. But have a true interest in what that body is about."

Wallin is an exception. Despite an absolute lack of political service, she was recruited to run for controller. And she plans to run again, saying: "I haven't gotten everything fixed yet."