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Rome Smith & Lutz is a team of seasoned professionals with over a 100 years of combined experience in Connecticut state & local government, political campaigns, private industry, and public service. We are comprised of former legislators on both sides of the political aisle, former senior staffers to a CT Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and former municipal office holders. Our team boasts deep relationships with key decision makers throughout state and local governments. The reputations we maintain and the trust we have earned across the state is our value; our results-oriented approach, strategic thinking, and tireless work is our means; and our proven track record of producing results for our clients is our end. Please don't hesitate to reach out to see how Rome Smith & Lutz can help you realize your objectives.

20+ years

Volunteer Firefighter - City of Milford
Fire Commissioner City of Milford
Emergency Medical Technician (Chamberlain Ambulance)
Harbor Management Commission
Board Member - Milford Mental Health
Historic District Commission
Vice Chairman Milford's 350th Celebration Committee
Vice Chairman Founders Walk Committee
Chairman Downtown River-High Street Committee
Commissioner - Judicial Selection

  • Rome Smith & Lutz is all about relationships and trust. Their success is rooted in experience and integrity. When they represent us at the Capitol, we know we are being heard. - Chuck Bunnell, Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs, Mohegan Tribe
  • The Rome Smith and Lutz team are committed to knowing and understanding our educational priorities and they relentlessly and creatively pursue them. They are consummate professionals and are always available for questions and advice. We know from results that we are well represented by them. - Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Pete is a former state representative from Milford's 119th district. During his time in the legislature, he was known for building consensus around issues and his passion for constituent causes. Serving as co-chair of the Conservation and Development sub-committee of the Appropriations Committee, Vice Chair of the Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Environment and Transportation Committees.

    Pete joined the firm after four years leading the Connecticut Pari-Mutuel Association, becoming the President of the firm in 2006. Pete has served on numerous boards and commissions and was Campaign Chair of State Comptroller Nancy Wyman's 2002 campaign. He currently serves as a Governors Appointee on the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission. Additionally, he is engaged with several charities that support children and their families battling cancer

    Mr. Finseth is the owner and CEO of Carrara Nevada, a medium sized government affairs firm established in the 1990's. The firm works with national and international Fortune 500 firms, along with national and state trade associations and local government clients. Our expertise lies in general business issue, gaming, real estate, health care, environmental and local government fields.

    15-20 years

    Mr. Finseth has over 25 years of experience in the field of government having worked in Washington, D.C, Hawaii and Nevada. As the principal of Carrara Nevada since 2003, Mr. Finseth has been at the forefront of the companies explosive growth in the state. Mr. Finseth provides one on one attention to all of our clients both large and small. Carrara Nevada is recognized as a bipartisan firm with relationships on both sides of the political aisles. Our work in Nevada spans the spectrum of many of the major sectors and industries that drive our states economy.

    • (573) 353-8279

    • 235 E High StreetSuite 301Jefferson CityMO65101

    Clarkston Nelson Government Solutions is a full-service governmental relations and advocacy firm located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Although recently founded, our team shares a longstanding, respected reputation in the Missouri State Capitol. Our uniquely qualified professionals have decades of combined experience working in the Missouri state legislature, Executive Branch and state agencies.

    The world of politics has changed over the years making it essential for businesses to have an effective and efficient working relationship with policy makers. Our team holds extensive policy knowledge, strong communication and relationship-building skills and precise legislative strategies resulting in successful governmental advocacy for our clients.

    At Clarkston Nelson, we believe our teamwork approach based on years of experience, hard work and dedication to our client's interests provide a strong route to client advocacy and effective results bridging the gap between business and government.

    FIRM SPECIALTY
    DIRECT LOBBYING
    In a world of constant change due to term-limits, ever changing political winds and executive branch turnover, we at Clarkston Nelson adapt and thrive due to our extensive experience and hard work. We work extremely hard to successfully help our clients reach their advocacy goals through our professionalism and unique understanding of the legislative and executive process. We provide direct lobbying efforts to shape legislation and regulations from the beginning to implementation. Our firm is capable of providing all services necessary such as legislation and issue monitoring, public engagement counseling, public testimony, and coalition building.

    STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
    We believe that public opinion shapes much of the debate and decisions at the government level. Clarkston Nelson have a long history of working with clients in the preparation and development of messaging to assist in their advocacy efforts before the legislature, regulators or any other decision-making body. Our strategic communications will be aimed at reaching our client's underlying goal and often can be conveyed to the media and public to potentially sway opinion to our favor. Often times, strategic communications are aided with coalition building efforts to expand our sphere of influence and find additional partners that share with our goals and preferred outcomes.

    RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
    Our firm recognizes the vast importance of relationship building throughout the political, regulatory, and industry sectors. We believe healthy relationships are built on honest communication and respect. We work diligently with legislators and department contacts to know our clients and understand why their issues matter. Clarkston Nelson strive to maintain professional and positive relations with state elected officials and decision-makers and can utilize our relationships to assist clients with ensuring their issues are properly understood and considered when needed.

    DOUG NELSON spent five years as Missouri's State Commissioner of Administration working with all branches of government and every executive branch department on contracting and procurement matters. As Commissioner, he oversaw more than 2,000 active procurement contracts, information technology and cybersecurity issues, bond issuances and budget matters. Along with Doug's unmatched experience in all types of government contract issues, his extensive network of national and state contacts makes him a great resource to clients. Doug also spent more than 18 years as an Assistant Missouri Attorney General focusing on consumer and contract litigation and administrative/regulatory matters. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987 from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and Law degree in 1990 from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

    Rome Smith & Lutz is a team of seasoned professionals with over a 100 years of combined experience in Connecticut state & local government, political campaigns, private industry, and public service. We are comprised of former legislators on both sides of the political aisle, former senior staffers to a CT Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and former municipal office holders. Our team boasts deep relationships with key decision makers throughout state and local governments. The reputations we maintain and the trust we have earned across the state is our value; our results-oriented approach, strategic thinking, and tireless work is our means; and our proven track record of producing results for our clients is our end. Please don't hesitate to reach out to see how Rome Smith & Lutz can help you realize your objectives.

    20+ years

  • Rome Smith & Lutz is all about relationships and trust. Their success is rooted in experience and integrity. When they represent us at the Capitol, we know we are being heard. - Chuck Bunnell, Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs, Mohegan Tribe
  • The Rome Smith and Lutz team are committed to knowing and understanding our educational priorities and they relentlessly and creatively pursue them. They are consummate professionals and are always available for questions and advice. We know from results that we are well represented by them. - Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Kathie began her career in government relations and policy more than 20 years ago. Combining a background in political activism and experience with the private sector allowed her to bring a unique skill set to clients looking for assistance with their governmental needs.

    Throughout her time with Rome Smith & Lutz, Kathie has represented a diverse range of clients, managing their goals, planning their strategy and offering advice on implementation.

    From impacting environmental policy, working for tax relief for innovation companies and helping to pass first in the nation patient protections Kathie offers broad experience and skill to all clients. She remains active in local, state and national politics.

    Rome Smith & Lutz is a team of seasoned professionals with over a 100 years of combined experience in Connecticut state & local government, political campaigns, private industry, and public service. We are comprised of former legislators on both sides of the political aisle, former senior staffers to a CT Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and former municipal office holders. Our team boasts deep relationships with key decision makers throughout state and local governments. The reputations we maintain and the trust we have earned across the state is our value; our results-oriented approach, strategic thinking, and tireless work is our means; and our proven track record of producing results for our clients is our end. Please don't hesitate to reach out to see how Rome Smith & Lutz can help you realize your objectives.

    6-10 years

    I served on the staff of Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman as a senior advisor in 2018 and assisted in her end of term transition out of public office.

  • Rome Smith & Lutz is all about relationships and trust. Their success is rooted in experience and integrity. When they represent us at the Capitol, we know we are being heard. - Chuck Bunnell, Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs, Mohegan Tribe
  • The Rome Smith and Lutz team are committed to knowing and understanding our educational priorities and they relentlessly and creatively pursue them. They are consummate professionals and are always available for questions and advice. We know from results that we are well represented by them. - Fran Rabinowitz,, Executive Director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Prior to joining Rome Smith & Lutz, Joseph attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; majoring in Government and minoring in French. After college, Joseph pursued a law degree at Quinnipiac University School of Law. While attending law school, he worked as a legal intern with Rome Smith & Lutz during the 2013 legislative session. After graduating from law school and passing the Connecticut bar examination in 2014, Joseph joined RSL full-time and has worked with the team for five years except for taking a leave of absence in 2018 to serve in the office of Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman as a Senior Advisor.

    Rome Smith & Lutz is a team of seasoned professionals with over a 100 years of combined experience in Connecticut state & local government, political campaigns, private industry, and public service. We are comprised of former legislators on both sides of the political aisle, former senior staffers to a CT Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and former municipal office holders. Our team boasts deep relationships with key decision makers throughout state and local governments. The reputations we maintain and the trust we have earned across the state is our value; our results-oriented approach, strategic thinking, and tireless work is our means; and our proven track record of producing results for our clients is our end. Please don't hesitate to reach out to see how Rome Smith & Lutz can help you realize your objectives.

    11-15 years

    Chris served for 5 years in the administration of former Governor Dannel P. Malloy, most recently in senior staff as the Governor's Director of Policy and Government Affairs. During that time, he has established deep relationships with state agency decision makers. Over the last 20 years, Chris has worked on numerous campaigns for statewide, state legislative, and municipal elections.

  • Rome Smith & Lutz is all about relationships and trust. Their success is rooted in experience and integrity. When they represent us at the Capitol, we know we are being heard. - Chuck Bunnell, Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs, Mohegan Tribe
  • The Rome Smith and Lutz team are committed to knowing and understanding our educational priorities and they relentlessly and creatively pursue them. They are consummate professionals and are always available for questions and advice. We know from results that we are well represented by them. - Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Chris re-joined Rome Smith & Lutz after serving five years in the administration of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, most recently as Director of Policy and Government Affairs; the Governor's chief lobbyist. In his position within the administration, Chris oversaw all policy development and implementation of executive branch policies and legislative priorities. In both of his roles previously with Rome Smith & Lutz and with the Governor's Office, Chris has developed strong relationships with hundreds of private sector leaders in the state and the region, legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle, state agency commissioners & senior staff, and municipal officials in his 18 years working in different capacities at the State Capitol.

    Clarkston Nelson Government Solutions is a full-service governmental relations and advocacy firm located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Although recently founded, our team shares a longstanding, respected reputation in the Missouri State Capitol. Our uniquely qualified professionals have decades of combined experience working in the Missouri state legislature, Executive Branch and state agencies.

    The world of politics has changed over the years making it essential for businesses to have an effective and efficient working relationship with policy makers. Our team holds extensive policy knowledge, strong communication and relationship-building skills and precise legislative strategies resulting in successful governmental advocacy for our clients.

    At Clarkston Nelson, we believe our teamwork approach based on years of experience, hard work and dedication to our client's interests provide a strong route to client advocacy and effective results bridging the gap between business and government.

    FIRM SPECIALTY
    DIRECT LOBBYING
    In a world of constant change due to term-limits, ever changing political winds and executive branch turnover, we at Clarkston Nelson adapt and thrive due to our extensive experience and hard work. We work extremely hard to successfully help our clients reach their advocacy goals through our professionalism and unique understanding of the legislative and executive process. We provide direct lobbying efforts to shape legislation and regulations from the beginning to implementation. Our firm is capable of providing all services necessary such as legislation and issue monitoring, public engagement counseling, public testimony, and coalition building.

    STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
    We believe that public opinion shapes much of the debate and decisions at the government level. Clarkston Nelson have a long history of working with clients in the preparation and development of messaging to assist in their advocacy efforts before the legislature, regulators or any other decision-making body. Our strategic communications will be aimed at reaching our client's underlying goal and often can be conveyed to the media and public to potentially sway opinion to our favor. Often times, strategic communications are aided with coalition building efforts to expand our sphere of influence and find additional partners that share with our goals and preferred outcomes.

    RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
    Our firm recognizes the vast importance of relationship building throughout the political, regulatory, and industry sectors. We believe healthy relationships are built on honest communication and respect. We work diligently with legislators and department contacts to know our clients and understand why their issues matter. Clarkston Nelson strive to maintain professional and positive relations with state elected officials and decision-makers and can utilize our relationships to assist clients with ensuring their issues are properly understood and considered when needed.

    HEATH CLARKSTON has more than two decades working for a variety of clients as a registered lobbyist in Missouri with state government relations and public relations experience. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and Political Science in 1997 from Missouri State University in Springfield. He began his career as a legislative intern for the Taxpayers Research Institute, a division of Associated Industries of Missouri. After joining Gallagher Consultants Inc. in 2006, Heath quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious, hard-working voice in the Missouri State Capitol for his clients. An active member in many civic and professional organizations, Heath is the benchmark of hard work in the State Capitol.

    The competitive nature of government and public advocacy requires a team with the experience, insight and knowledge to provide results. The Floridian Partners team is composed of individuals from different backgrounds and practice areas, resulting in a dynamic group of advocacy professionals. As a firm, we strive to exceed our clients' expectations with the understanding that our success is based solely upon the success of our clients. We not only represent our clients before the public sector; we also assist our clients in developing business-to-business opportunities.

    Our first step in pursuing any client goal is to develop a strategic plan. In the world of advocacy, success is the result of sound strategy, access to decision makers, effective communication and strong execution. In creating and executing a strategy for each of our clients, we bring to bear decades of strategic advocacy experience on major client initiatives in projects spanning from the entitlement of Jungle Island in Miami-Dade County - to the largest privatization of services in the history of the State of Florida - to playing a major role in developing telecommunications and insurance law each year in the State Capitol. In addition to the know-how developed over this time, we also bring to bear the collective scope and depth of relationships developed along the way.

    As a result, Floridian Partners operates at all levels of government and is never more than two degrees away from accessing a key decision maker on any given client matter, whether that client needs to impact proposed state legislation, a local or state agency regulation, local government ordinance, the state budget, or a local or State RFP opportunity.

    Firm Specialties:
    With offices in Tallahassee and Miami, our core services include government affairs, issues management & communications, and business consulting & development. We service clients across all major industries, have influence at all levels of Florida government, and can manage national issues through our multi- state advocacy network.

    JORGE CHAMIZO, an attorney and governmental consultant, represents a variety of clients before the Florida Legislature, Executive Office of the Governor, Agency for Healthcare Administration, Florida Department of Health, Florida Public Service Commission, and other state regulatory agencies on matters related to healthcare, energy, telecommunications, professional licensure, public procurement and business regulation.

    Before joining the Firm, Jorge served as Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission, the state agency which regulates Florida's utilities. In that capacity, Jorge gave counsel to the Chairman on legal and policy matters related to telecommunications, energy, water, and wastewater issues coming before the Commission, assisted the Chairman in setting and implementing overall agency policy and direction, served as central contact to industry representatives, and was the Chairman's liaison to the Florida Legislature as well as state and local government agencies. Apart from his legal and governmental experience, Jorge brings to Floridian Partners over a decade of business experience in the insurance industry in the area of marketing, sales and management.

    Jorge is an honors graduate from The Florida State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2000) and received his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Miami (BBA, 1996). Jorge was honored as a top South Florida lobbyist and the recipient of the Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Project award. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers presented him with the 2014 Presidents Award.

    John is a former state representative having served 13 years from Stratford's 120th district. Past leadership appointments include Deputy Minority Leader at large, Caucus Chairman, Assistant Minority Leader, and Ranking Member for the Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Aging, and Veterans Affairs Committee. John also served as the mayor of Stratford for two consecutive four-year terms since 2009. Mayor Harkins led Stratford with a steady hand. By focusing on economic development, the town has grown significantly. With over 23 years of elected service and over 30 years as a small business owner John has been a strong advocate for his constituents. As a lobbyist he is now focused on client advocacy and business development on both the state and local level.

    0-5 years

    John Harkins' career awards and recognitions include: "The American Legion Department of Connecticut Certificate Award as the 2009 Legislator of the Year", the 2008 Bridgeport Regional Business Council AT&T "Regional Elected Official Award", the 2004 Walter Wright "Community Spirit Award". He was State Chairman and a former Board Member of the American Legislative Exchange Council. He received the Legislator of the Year Award from ALEC in 2006. He was also the First National Chairman of the American City and County Exchange and received the "Innovative Leadership Award" from ACCE in 2016.

    I have served over twenty-two years in elected office on the state and local level. I have been able to develop a vast network on both the state and local level on both sides of the aisle after serving 13 years in the statehouse and 8 years as a mayor. I have also remained active in business and with regional chambers of commerce.

  • Rome Smith & Lutz is all about relationships and trust. Their success is rooted in experience and integrity. When they represent us at the Capitol, we know we are being heard. - Chuck Bunnell, Chief of Staff for External and Government Affairs, Mohegan Tribe
  • The Rome Smith and Lutz team are committed to knowing and understanding our educational priorities and they relentlessly and creatively pursue them. They are consummate professionals and are always available for questions and advice. We know from results that we are well represented by them. - Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents
  • John Harkins was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and has been a resident of Connecticut for over 50 years. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from The University of Tulsa in
    Oklahoma in 1986. He received his SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1991.

    He was the owner of Harkins Appraisal Service, Inc. for over thirty years. Living in Stratford, John Harkins has served his hometown in public office since his election to the Town Council (9th District) in 1995. As Councilman, he was Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Roosevelt Forest Commission.

    In 1996 he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 120th District, comprising central Stratford, beginning his first of seven consecutive terms in the General Assembly in 1997. As a State Representative, his past leadership appointments include serving as the Deputy Minority Leader at Large, House Republican Caucus Chairman, Assistant Minority Leader, and Ranking Member to the Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Aging, and Veterans Affairs Committee.

    Serving two four-year terms as Mayor since 2009, Mayor Harkins led Stratford with a steady hand. By focusing on economic development, the town has grown significantly. After decades of inaction, positive progress has been made on Sikorsky Airport and Main Street flooding, the sale and redevelopment of the Army Engine Plant, redevelopment of the Stratford Avenue corridor, Clean up of the Raymark Super Fund Site, and successfully accomplished getting the construction of a full interchange at Exit 33 off of I-95 which has begun in 2020.

    A lifelong resident of Stratford, John Harkins has long been active in town affairs and civic groups: (Past President) Stratford Rotary Club, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, SaveStratford.org, and the Raymark Advisory Committee. He also served as co-chairman of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council's Regional Legislative Caucus both as a State Representative and as Mayor, and was past Chairman of the MetroCog. He has recently become a member of the Board of Trustees for The Milford Bank.

    He has owned and operated Harkins Real Estate Services and Molter Government Affairs providing clients with lobbying and business development. He is presently affiliated with Rome, Smith, & Lutz Government Relations and is registered as a lobbyist in the State of Connecticut.

    Clients:

    DARREN DERRYBERRY

    (Oklahoma)
    • (405) 830-7100

    • 4800 LINCOLN BLVD.OKLAHOMA CITYOK73105

    SUSAN DONEGAN

    (Florida)
    • (561) 893-3358

    • 901 Peninsula Corporate CirBoca RatonFL33487-1339

    JEFF EDDINGER

    (Florida)
    • (561) 893-3133

    • 901 Peninsula Corporate CirBoca RatonFL33487-1339

    DAWN INGHAM

    (Florida)
    • (561) 893-3165

    • 901 Peninsula Corporate CirBoca RatonFL33487-1339

    Clients:

    DAN NELSON

    (Kansas)

    STEPHANIE PASWATERS

    (Oklahoma)
    • (303) 200-6728

    • 3411 W 106TH PLACEWESTMINSTERCO80031

    TERRI ROBINSON

    (Texas)
    • (501)3332835

    • 46714 South Highway 10PerryvilleAR72126

    TIMOTHY TUCKER

    (Federal)