Advancing Jefferson City's interests isn't always an either-or proposition.
During a recent discussion about the city's influence on state legislation, council members discussed which is preferable - resolutions or lobbying?
The answer is yes.
Both are useful, and most effective when working in tandem.
The value of city resolutions was prompted by council discussion of a resolution to support a pay hike for state workers.
"I question whether or not it (approving resolutions) is a good use of council time," said 5th Ward Councilman Ralph Bray. "I think there is an avenue to do this with Tom Rackers, our lobbyist."
But 3rd Ward Councilman Ken Hussey said: "Sometimes, it (a resolution) gives an extra talking point. Does it sway the vote one way or another? I doubt it ... but it adds a little credibility."
Rackers - a former mayor who has served as the city's lobbyist for about a decade - considers the resolutions a useful tool. "One of the first things (legislators) ask on everything is about local support," he said.
Jefferson City is home to three tiers of government. In addition to being a municipality, it is the seat of Cole County and capital of Missouri.
City government must not operate in a vacuum. Jefferson City's welfare is intricately entwined with state government, which is the city's single-largest employer and owns and maintains the city's top tourist attractions.
The city has an economic interest in the earning power of state workers, the upkeep of state facilities and other shared concerns.
City resolutions, for the most part, tend to be non-controversial. Consequently, approval rarely is time consuming.
The city is paying its lobbyist $25,000 a year, so it make sense to heed his advice about what works.