Hartford Business Journal

15 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | March 14, 2022 — bypassing legislative approval — that accomplished some of his clean energy goals. Aresimowicz said he knows well the power that money and lobbyists play in state government, but without honesty and trust, both are useless. "As a lobbyist, if you were to ever break that trust and provide information [to lawmakers] that was not accurate, that's it," Aresimowicz said. "I know, firsthand, that legislators would not deal with you anymore. You have to establish those relationships and that is what I've done. It's all about getting to know people." Malcynsky, who during his career advised former Gov. Lowell Weicker Jr. when he was a U.S. senator and John Rowland when he was governor, said Aresimowicz was hired to focus primarily on business development and municipal and federal issues on behalf of his clients. It was Aresimowicz's reputation as a dealmaker, someone who knows the legislative process and the likability factor that swayed Malcynsky to bring him on board, he said. "Some legislators, frankly, don't make great lobbyists," Malcynsky said. "That's because they have taken in that one perspective for so long that they have a hard time making the transition. It really depends on the individual. Joe is the kind of person who made the transition easily. He has a very friendly personality, is very smart, and knows when to jump into an issue and when to listen." Lobbying is usually a profession that relies on in-person contact, but the industry has had to adjust during the pandemic. COVID-19 forced lobbyists and members of the public out of the Legislative Office Building last year; business was conducted virtually on Zoom and other platforms. The pandemic may have also had an impact on lobbying spending, although not a big one. Lobbyists reported $91.1 million in compensation in 2019-2020, which was down about 3.5% from the previous two-year period, ethics data shows. However, COVID restrictions are easing. Limited access is now allowed in the Legislative Office Building and state Capitol and things could open up more as it gets later in the session, which runs until May 4. Public hearings are still happening virtually. Building trust Those who know Aresimowicz say his strengths are his knowledge of the legislative process and how to get deals done. "Let's be candid here. He was the speaker of the House. He knows the legislative maze and, in that respect, he will certainly hit the ground running," said state Sen. Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), co-chair of the Commerce Committee. "He knows the legislators, the governor's staff, and most of all he knows the process." Similarly, James Paolino, principal with the Hartford lobbying firm FOCUS Government Affairs, said lobbying was a perfect fit for Aresimowicz. "All of us pretty much have a background in something, either having worked for the House or Senate or governor. Basically, it takes an understanding of the process," said Paolino, a lobbyist for more than 20 years. "From day one, Joe has that better than most people. He has fantastic connections and is a great asset to Gaffney Bennett. The key for him will be to build new relationships with the new people there. If he does that, he will be enormously successful for a long time coming." HBJ FILE PHOTO James Paolino Sen. Joan Hartley The public, including lobbyists, now has more access to the state Capitol building this year as COVID restrictions ease. THE RIGHT SIZE FIRM MEANS THE RIGHT LEVEL OF ATTENTION www.uhy-us.com Audit & Assurance Tax Planning & Compliance Business Valuation Estate Planning Transaction Services 6 Executive Drive, Suite 111 Farmington, CT 06032 860-676-9020

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