The Public Choices of Senator Aspyer Tu Moore

 

 

Directions: Assign students to the roles listed below. You may also want to have a supply of simple costumes (hats, for example) from the local second-hand store.

Click to View the Lesson in Action!

 

Stage Manager	responsible for arranging sets and props and for getting various characters on to and off of the stage at the appropriate times
Reporter	EFLENN News
Senator Aspyer Tu Moore	1st term Senator, facing re-election
Young Plonk	Senator Moore's aide
CQ (Crash) Downhill	Ski industry representative
S. Ava Tree	Represents FELT - Friends of Every Living Thing
Iva Benaround	Represents AARP
Buddy	Senator Moore's boyhood friend
Wiley Fast	Snowboarder
Joe Yocal	Small town farmer
Minnie Kornsarn	Small town teacher
Ted Fishe	Representative of Trout Unlimited
Buck R. Roos	Chamber of Commerce representative

Before beginning the play, provide the class with the following background by providing an abbreviated listing on the board or overhead:

• Senator Aspyer Tu Moore is finishing his first term in the Senate and has decided to seek re-election in the fall.
• Senator Moore has earned a reputation in his first term as a fair-minded, hard-working public servant.
• Senator Moore was drawn to elected office by his desire to serve his state and nation. He values his reputation as a dedicated public servant and wants to live up to that reputation.
• Senator Moore sees himself as objective and unbiased and he prides himself on not being influenced by special interest groups.

Next, introduce the class to the problem. Again, a short list on the board or overhead will help to keep students focused.

• A major development corporation is lobbying to build a large destination ski resort in Senator Moore's state. Because the proposed location is on national forest land, Congressional legislation is necessary, and bills to redefine the allowed uses of the forest land in question have been introduced in the House and Senate.
• The targeted land currently includes a small day-use recreation area. However, the new development would replace it with a lease agreement covering 10 times the acreage.
• Senator Moore appreciates the complexity of both the state and national interest in the issue and so he is determined to look at the problem carefully and objectively. He knows that will take some time and effort, but he's never been one to shy away from hard work.

Before proceeding, allow students to ask questions about the background, but answer questions only to clarify background. Ask students with other questions or comments to hold them until after the performance.

When the stage is set and all performers are in place:

Teacher:

The scene opens today with Senator Moore sitting at his desk. A reporter from EFL Economic News Network (EFLENN) has just quietly entered the Senator's office.

(reporter and professor tiptoe into room)

Reporter:

(hushed tones) We are here today with our spy camera to record a day in the life of Senator Aspyer Tu Moore. Also with us is our special guest, the eminent economist, Professor Cute - oops! (embarrassed) Sorry! I mean, Professor Curt Sayings!

Professor:

(cutely - flirting with reporter) Scarcity! It works for me!

Reporter:

(rolling her/his eyes) In recent weeks, Senator Moore has found himself facing a difficult issue in the land use bill on the ski are in his home state. Throughout his public life, Senator has been known for his ability to analyze complex issues. As a result, he currently bears the added burden of knowing that a number of senators from other states that have large amounts of public land are waiting to follow his lead on this issue. Many people, including this reporter. . .

Professor:

(interrupting) and me, too!

Reporter:

(huffily stepping in front of him) As I was saying . . . many believe that Senator Moore has a long and influential career ahead of him if he can be re-elected in the fall. And, his re-election may very well hinge on his leadership in the resort issue. Senator Moore's staff has agreed to let us watch as this great American wrestles with a typical political problem. Oh, here comes someone from the Senator's office now. It looks like Young Plonk, the Senator's chief aide. Let's listen in . . .

Young:

(nerdy, officious, pager, clipboard, etc.) Senator, as you . . .

Senator:

(interrupting) Good Morning, Young.

Young:

Oh, yes. Good Morning, Senator. Now let's get busy. As you know, the ski resort bill is scheduled for a vote in 4 weeks. Today, I've scheduled those individuals and groups who have been most insistent that they be allowed to talk to you about this issue. They're most eager to see you.

Senator:

(wryly) I'm sure they are. AND, I'm sure they are all hoping that (sarcastically) "the best interests of the people prevail." Hurmph!

Young:

Well, Sir, I'm sure they all hope that some interest prevails - but that's what lobbyists do - if I may be so bold to point out!

Senator:

Thank you, Young. Let's get on with it. Who's first?

Young:

The ski industry rep - a regular "mogul" in his own mind!

Crash:

(ski cap, sunglasses, medal around neck) Good morning, Senator. CQ Downhill's the name, but you can call me Crash - ALL my fans do. (shakes hands) I'm here to help you shoosh through the gates on this ski resort bill. Now, Senator, I know that you and your staff have many issues confronting you and that you can't give each of them all the time you might like to. SO, I've brought you a few industry reports that may help your analysis. (Young comes back in, and hands the Senator a very large stack of notebooks and loose papers.) Now, if I could just take a moment of your time, I'll summarize the key findings for you and you can read the detail later. These extensive reports by our industry analysts have produced the following key economic insights: You cannot afford to pass up this opportunity to improve the employment picture in your state (which we both know is teensy weensy bit of a problem, don't we?) The construction will create 1000 jobs over an 18 month period. On-going-operations will provide 250 permanent year-round jobs and a minimum of 750 seasonal jobs. Another benefit, of course, will be the increased tax base for the state - and we know how you Congress people love to raise taxes without having to vote to raise taxes. Winky-winky. The resort also increases the potential for airport, rental car, hotel and other tourist taxes - money from other states to help fuel your state's economy. As you know, the developers choose this spot partially because it's off the beaten path, so to speak, and will not interfere with summer tourism in other parts of the state. This project can bring an economically sleepy comer of your state into the mainstream of the future. And, of course, there is the fact that skiing is very popular with people all over the country.

Senator:

Very edifying, Crash. Thanks so much. Sorry you have to hurry off.

Crash:

I do? Well, Senator, you know that the leadership of the ski and resort industry has a great respect for your voting record. We count it as a privilege (stands at attention and salutes) to have been among those who have supported your campaign in the past, and we look forward to supporting future campaigns. Thanks for your time; I do hope we'll be working with you in the future. Winky-winky.

(crashes into door as exits)

Young:

Your next visitor is S. Ava Tree, from FELT.

Senator:

FELT - Felt what?

Young:

(rolls his eyes) Friends of Every Living Thing, Senator.

S. Ava:

(tie-dye, flowers, sandals, etc.) (singing) Oh, what a beautiful morning ... Oh, Senator, I'm sure that you understand how precious the earth is and how obligated we are to preserve and protect it. I'm sure that you feel, like I do, that life is precious - all life. You, me, the trees, snails, slugs, flowers. Anything that threatens living things is NOT nice - wouldn't you agree?! Now this idea for a ski resort in the national forest - in the middle of life! - is a threat. A bad, bad, mean thing. All kinds of things will be killed or pushed out - mountain goats, trees, bushes, mice, slugs - oh, especially the poor little unloved slugs. Why, you know, Senator, that the balance of the earth is so precious that even one project like this could upset it forever. And, as my old econ professor, Kurt Sayings used to say: Life is scarce. But not ski resorts. Why, there must be (counts on her fingers) there must be hundreds of them. But there are fewer and fewer places for life, so it MUST be getting more scarce.

Young:

(elbows professor in the ribs) (sarcastically) Good job, Prof. What's really scarce is her understanding of economics!

(Prof. beams, puffs out chest. Young rolls eyes as he goes in to hustle out S. Ava Tree)

S. Ava:

I'm sure that the interests of the earth and life are uppermost in your mind and you'll vote for every living thing. You know that so many of our members in your state think so highly of you. We count it a privilege to be in your camp when election time comes.

Senator:

Thank you, Ms. Tree. You know that I do value the environment, and I love to take my tent and cameras into the back country whenever I have a chance. This is a tough issue, but rest assured that I do appreciate the support - both votes and campaign donations - of FELT members. Reassure your members that I share their love of nature.

Young:

Next on your schedule is Iva Benaround, from the American Association of Retired Persons.

Senator:

Yes, I remember her. Send her in.... Ms. Benaround, How've you been?

Iva:	Fine as frog's hair, Senator. And yourself?

Senator:

Just fine, thanks. What is it this morning - social security or Medicare?

Iva:	Tsk, tsk, youngster, don't you tease me. I'll be gone before social security collapses, and Medicare isn't fun - those young doctors are such know-it-alls - but I'm healthy as an . . . old . . horse. No, I'm here today to urge you to oppose this ski resort in the national forest.

Senator:

(under his breath) Why didn't I guess that? (to Iva) What do you care about that? I'd have guessed you'd be quite the mogul basher.

Iva:	In my day, Senator, in my day. Now be serious. You know that corner of the state attracts retirees.

Senator:

Yes, I know that, but nobody will make them ski if they don't want to - and if they do, they'll probably get senior rates!

Iva:

You're not thinking, young man! People have to drive through the valley to get to the resort. And where do you think the resort workers are going to live? People retire to that comer of the state because of lower property values and to escape the summer heat. They are afraid that if this resort is built, the traffic and crime will increase, and property values - and taxes - will skyrocket. You know what that town's like. It's a good, friendly place to live. People can let their grandchildren play without worrying about them, and the old guys can take five minutes to cross the street to the post office if they want to. Everybody watches out for each other. It's not some place for the rich and elite or wild Saturday nights. The valley residents are afraid that the resort will ruin all of this. Motels, bars, ski bums and their girl friends-and that's just in the winter. Next thing you know, it'll be mountain bikers and bluegrass festivals in the summer. Give 'em a break Senator. You know, we will be doing a piece on the outcome of this in our national newsletter, and we'll help the valley residents remember you in the fall. Good talkin' to you, Youngster. Guess I'd better go while I still can.

Young:

Excuse me, Senator. I thought I had a break in your schedule, but there's a Buddy Smith to see you - says he's an old friend?

Senator:

Buddy Smith? Why, we grew up together! Send him in; he'll be a pleasant change from the lobbying.

Buddy:

Hi, Spy.

Senator:

Hi, Buddy, ol' buddy. Come on in! (hand shaking, back slapping etc.) I'm sure glad you stopped by, but it's been a hectic day, and I've only got a minute. What's new?

Buddy:

No problem; won't take a minute. Just wanted to make sure you have the scoop on this ski resort.

Senator:

(groans) Not you, too.

Buddy:

Now, I'm not gonna bug an old friend; I know you'll do the right thing. I'm just worried that that cracker-jack staff of yours hasn't given you all the pertinent information.

Senator:

Like what, Buddy?

Buddy:

Like that the access road to that resort would take out my grandpa's homestead. Didn't know that, did you? That project's approved and they take the property under eminent domain, sure as I'm standing here.

Senator:

(surprised - glares at Young) No, I didn't. Seems like we spent most of every summer there, didn't we?

Buddy:

Yep. Good times. 'Member when gramps' farm hand taught us to spit for distance - and some other stuff? (Ha Ha) I told the wife I was sure you'd want to know so that you can put a stop to all this nonsense. The place belongs to me and my sister now and we sure don't want to lose it.

Senator:

That would be a shame. I have such wonderful memories of the old place.

Buddy:

Well, I won't keep you. Hey, when this whole resort thing goes away, bring the family up for a week - or however long you want to stay. You probably deserve some peace and quiet.

Senator:

Thanks, Buddy. (Waves as Buddy leaves. Turns as Young comes in.) Great. As if this wasn't complicated enough, now I have to decide whether to lose a friend. Young, does that access road have to go where it's currently planned?

Young:

No, Senator. (sarcastically) We could always run it through Megabucks Superstar's ranch. He just pledged $100 million to the Environmental Coalition, but I'm sure he'd be reasonable about a little, bitty 4 lane road through the national forest.

Senator:

(groans)

Young:

Well, that's it for today, Sir. (Checks off everything on clip board) Anything else I can do for you?

Senator:

Yes, Young, there is. I've heard from a number of people who were paid to see me or who paid to get here to see me - just to tell me how I should vote. Now, they are bright and sincere people, but I still wonder... Tell you what, Young. Let's go see what the voters at home have to say. Can you set up a town meeting near the proposed site so that we can invite comment right at home?

Young:

Can do, Senator. I'll schedule it for about 2 weeks from now

(Senator and Young leave the stage.)

Reporter:

We're live at the town meeting of Senator Aspyer Tu Moore in the Valley Consolidated School cafeteria. The site of the proposed ski resort that weighs so heavily on the Senator's mind - and on his political aspirations, we might add - is about 20 minutes up the road. And once again, we are fortunate to have the color commentary of Professor Curt Sayings. Professor, can you offer us any insights on this meeting?

Professor:

Certainly, certainly. (looking very pleased with himself,) Ahem. Well, this is clearly quite a gathering, and this is a highly complex issue. On the one hand, there are people who oppose the resort. AND, on the other, there are people who would like to see it built.

Reporter:

(waits, and when nothing more is forthcoming ... ) Um, I see. Thanks, Professor, for your penetrating analysis. Here comes the Senator now.

Senator:

(addressing the audience) Welcome and thank you all for coming. The purpose of tonight's meeting is to help me understand your positions on this issue of the use of public lands in our state. As you know, I am committed to you and to this great state. I want to cast the very best vote that I can, for you, on this issue.

(Applause sign held up by audience member. Senator bows, and then turns to list of names on the board.)

I see that many of you have signed up to speak this evening. Shall we start first with Mr. Wiley Fast?

Wiley:

(slouchy, baggy pants, inarticulate) Yo, Dude! Er, I mean like sir, um your honor. I'd like to chill on this way bad proposal.

Senator:

Excuse me, you snowboarders are opposed to the resort?

Wiley:

I'm not dissing you, but aren't you listening, Dude? We think this resort is way bad! Ya Know? Like awesome. Coo-el! (Senator still looks confused.) ... Like Groooooooovy, man.

Senator:

Oh, right. Now why do you think the proposal is so "like awesome?"

Wiley:

Well, you see, Congress Dude, like, we shredders are like really dissed at some ski areas. We don't get no respect - I mean even after Olympic gold. Go figure. Like lots of resorts hate shredding and chilling in half pipes and shooting cliffs. They won't even let us ride the lift unless we have on skis - Boo! But this new place is cool - putting in a half pipe and everything. So, it's like awesome and real American. Ya know? Everybody welcome and all that. So go for it Senator. You da' man and you be way cool.

Senator:

Thanks, Wiley.

Reporter:

Professor, what is the economic impact of the snow boarders?

Professor:

(practicing his snow-boarding techniques) Like, 'Way cool!

Reporter:

(shakes his head)

Senator:

Joe Yocal, I believe you're next on the list.

Joe:

Thank-ee, Senator. I live here in this town. Have for many, many, many - why more manys 'n you can count - years. Kids can ride down main street. I can walk across the highway to get my mail, and pull a hay wagon to the neighbor's without getting run over. You allow that fool resort and everything's gonna change - and I don't mean for the better. We're gonna have traffic and icy roads all winter. And smog and pollution and for what? So rich, out-of-state city folks and weirdo kids can slide down a mountain. We don't need their money and we don't want their traffic! (turns to audience) Ain't that right, neighbors?

(Stomps back to his seat to the sound of applause from his neighbors.)

Minnie:

(jumps up) I'm next, Senator. Minnie Kornsarn. School math teacher in this valley. And 2+2=4, even way back when Joe Yocal first failed math. Our town is dying. There's nothing for our kids to do except watch TV and wish they were living where things are happening and they didn't have to buy clothes from the Sears catalog. They go away to college and they never come back here to live. Now, nobody in their right mind can think one resort will turn this valley into a major metropolitan area, but it could give us some economic options. And if Joe can't see that, it's probably because he fell out of the hay wagon on his head a few years back! (turns back to her seat)

Audience:

You go, Girl!

Professor:

(to reporter) Oh, I just love it when people use numbers in their arguments. Do you think she can make graphs? (waving and winking at Ms. Kornsarn)

Ted:	(yuppie type, all the latest gear, snobby) Ted Fishe, Senator. I represent Trout Unlimited and we're extremely concerned that this proposed resort will kill off the native trout population.

Senator:

I'm sorry. You lost me. Ski resorts kill fish?

Ted:

Your typical ski resort is not content to wait on Mother Nature. When it doesn't snow enough or doesn't snow early enough, they manufacture snow to ensure that they get skiers. Snow-making takes water - lots of it - and it's going to come right out of the river running through this valley. And we're not taking about a little bit of water, either. We're talking about lowering the water level enough to threaten species survival in this area. Fish don't do well without water - or in streams that freeze solid. It's all right there, Senator, a minor little blip in their economic feasibility study. This isn't some minor inconvenience, Senator. This section of river is well on its way to being Gold Medal water. Pumping water for artificial snow would ruin it. Nobody wants to catch hatchery fish - to say nothing of who's going to pay to restock every few years. I'd say that as a friend of the environment, Senator, you have no choice.

Buck:

(jumps up as Ted returns to his seat) Now, just a dang minute. Buck R. Roos, Senator. I'm head of the state Chamber of Commerce "Support the Resort," is our position on this issue. This project is just the sort of shot in the arm that this part of the state has needed for at least a decade. Ever since the 80s, declining summer travel and environmental controls on logging have left the economy of this area in a slump. The resort means good jobs and cash flow. That means better business, and what's good for business is good for all of us. Now, no offense to Dead Fish over there, but if he wants trout, it's $3 a pound at the local market. We need to use the resources of this region to generate jobs, not lock them away for a few Yuppies to enjoy. Senator, the businesses of this state are looking for a signal from you to jump-start the economy of this region. (returns to seat)

Senator:

Looks like we've reached the end of our list. I'd like to thank you all for coming, and assure you that I'll consider carefully everything you've told me. Good night. (waves to crowd)

Reporter:

Let's listen in as the Senator and his aide discuss the town meeting on their flight back to Washington DC. (Professor crowds up next to reporter, sticking his head over reporter's shoulder, trying to hear. Reporter pushes him out of way.)

Senator:

Well, Young, I guess that convinced me that my original inclination to vote against the resort was the right one - even if I can't make everybody happy.

Young:

Not so fast, Sir. I understand you have personal feelings about this and the weight of the arguments might seem to be against the resort, but we need to analyze this carefully.

Senator:

What do you mean?

Young:

Well, first off, Cam Paine called from the office earlier. Seems that he's concerned that contributions are lagging behind projections. Cam says that if the money flow doesn't improve in the next two weeks, we'll have to cancel a good share of our optioned TV time for the campaign. And you know how key that is in the major metropolitan areas of the state. Second. I just checked your e-mail, and the majority leader wants you to know that the party is considering giving you the chair of the Senate Committee on Education should you be re-elected.

Senator:

No kidding!? That's great! You know how important education is to me. That's a chance to make a difference!

Young:

Exactly, Senator, and congratulations. It would be a great honor for a second term Senator, and you'd have some real power. Which brings me back to this ski resort thing. You've heard lots of people, but who votes and who doesn't? I mean, I know that you've mentally eliminated that loser snow boarder with his no campaign money and - worse yet - his no vote, but what about some of the others? If I can be so bold, Sir, this isn't about visiting your buddy's ranch and taking pictures of wildlife.

Senator:

(bristling, huffy) What do you mean?

Young:

What I mean, Senator, is what do you want most?

Senator:

(still indignant) How can you ask me that? You, of all people, should know what I've done - and tried to do - for the people of this country. I want to finish my life with a distinguished record of public service.

Young:

So, like I said, Senator, it's your choice. This isn't just about a ski resort. It's also about whether you'll be able to continue the projects and reforms you've initiated. (pauses) And Senator, you can't do it if you aren't there!

Professor:

(amazed) Wow! That was really profound!

End

Directions to students:

Divide into groups of 6. Distribute the interest group information cards so that each person in the discussion group has a different card. Using the information on the cards and testimony the interest group gave in the play, answer the following questions:

• In what way(s) and with what tactics can each interest group positively affect Senator Moore's chances for re-election?
• In what way(s) and with what tactics can each interest group negatively affect Senator Moore's chances for re-election?
• From Senator Moore's perspective, what is the primary issue at stake?
• From Senator Moore's perspective, what are the costs and benefits of him voting yes? What are the costs and benefits of him voting no?
• If the Senator votes against the ski resort, do you think he'll be re-elected? Why or Why not?
• If the Senator votes for the ski resort, do you think he'll be re-elected? Why or why not?
• What would you advise the Senator to do, and why?

Interest Groups:

Retired People:

• Their numbers in the state as a whole are modest.
• Their percentages of registrants and voters are very high.
• They are organized and they have, in the past, occasionally used the resources of the AARP to help them be heard. In fact, they claim credit for defeating one of the state's 2 incumbent Congressmen in the last general election.

FELT - The Environmentalists:

• They claim the high moral ground, and are pretty effective in capturing public sentiment.
• The organization is well-funded and is willing to use its national power to back or oppose local candidates.
• They are difficult to fight because environmental issues resonate with people, and if they take you on, your environmental "track record" won't matter two hoots.
• Do they vote? It depends. In some places their membership is largely college students - who tend not to vote. In other places, they have effectively mobilized local voters. However, this is a national organization, and only a small proportion of their members live in your state.

The Ski Industry:

• Voting's probably not the issue, here. After all, who's ever heard of the "skier vote?" And, the ski industry doesn't vote; individuals do.
• Money's an issue. They have it in amounts large enough to help with the Senator's campaign.
• Senator Moore can't lose their support - because at this point he doesn't have it. But, he could gain it!

The Fishermen:

• There aren't very many of them, but they're not poor or uninformed. Their votes and money are marginal but not negligible.
• They're not predictable because they often represent competing interests.
• Nationwide, they are not a politically active group, but in the Senator's state they are influential and have developed strong ties to the tourism industries.
• Will their members' business interests cause them to back off on their opposition, or will their environmental agenda dominate?
• They have a couple of powerful weapons. They could agitate for a Wild and Scenic Rivers designation, or ask the Fish and Wildlife Service to list the native fish as an "endangered local population." Either would cause significant delay, even if it wasn't ultimately successful.

The Locals:

• They're divided in their opinions, but the bottom line is that there aren't very many of them and they don't tend to contribute to political campaigns.
• Other groups could use them in the campaign to pull heartstrings - either for or against the Senator. "Dying Town Wants New Chance," or "Valley Sees End to a Way of Life."
• The Senator has fond memories of the rural lifestyle. There's strong emotional appeal for him.
• This isn't a decision that can be undone; either way, it will impact the future of the area

The Chamber of Commerce (the business community):

• Chamber members are organized and politically active throughout the state. They are also willing to use their money to support candidates and issues - or to attack them.
• While their numbers aren't excessive in terms of numbers of votes, the number of votes they can influence through the media is another story.
• The Senator was elected largely on the basis of strong support from the business community and he's maintained that support throughout his term. He likely can't afford to lose it.
• On the other hand, this is a local - or at most, a regional - business impact. The possibility exists that continued support in other parts of the state might mean that his stand on this issue wouldn't matter.

 

Copyright © 1999 Foundation for Teaching Economics
Permission granted to copy for classroom use.