By Russ Pankonin
    The Imperial Republican
     The Upper Republican Natural Resource District board has already put a lobbyist to work for them-their own manager, Jasper Fanning.
     And while Fanning will help tell the NRD's story, he said the board will still consider whether to hire an additional lobbyist at their Feb. 13 meeting.
     Earlier this month, the board voted to authorize Fanning to submit a list of prospective lobbyists for the board's review in February.
     Fanning knows his way around the state house, having lobbied on water issues during last year's session.
     "I'll be in Lincoln as much as necessary," he said from Lincoln Tuesday.
     In reality, the manager and the board members know the issues and can tell their story the best, Fanning said.
     A lobbyist is only repeating the board's message, he said. Plus, the board is concerned their message stays intact. The more voices, the more chance for the message to vary, creating some confusion, Fanning noted. "That's what we're trying to avoid."
     This week, Fanning and a number of the board members were in Lincoln for the state meeting of the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts.
     Fanning said board members have been able to visit with the NARD lobbyists to get a better understanding of the lobbying process.
     In addition, state senators attend several functions of the association, allowing board members to make direct contact with the senators.
     Fanning said he will submit at least a couple of lobbyist's names for consideration next month.
     When approving the motion at the regular meeting Jan. 9, the board sought to find a lobbyist who has water knowledge and has no conflicts of interests with other water issues.
     Up to $20,000 was budgeted for the lobbying expense.