The Interface    Your Voice in the Legislature
Florida Pay Telephone Association

Meet your Lobbyists: Jack and Keyna Cory

    When it comes to keeping a watchful eye on the state legislature, the Florida Pay Telephone Association turns to professional lobbyists Jack and Keyna Cory. The husband and wife team are seasoned veterans fo teh legislative process who have earned a reputation for getting the job done.

   Earlier this year, the Tallahassee Democrat named Jack one of the 10 most influential Capitol lobbyists. In response to the recognition, he was quick to point out that "I wouldn't be as effective if it weren't for my partner in life as well as my partner in business, my wife, lobbyist Keyna Cory."

   While there are other lobbyists in Florida who are married, the Corys are the only couple we know of who work together as a team to represent their clients. Jack uses a basketball metaphor to describe their working relationship: "When we're driving down court, I don't have to look over my shoulder to pass the ball. I always know that Keyna will be there to make the play."

   Both Jack and Keyna have their roots in political campaigning. In fact, they met at a function for a Broward County legislative campaign that Keyna was managing, shortly after the 1980 redistricting. Jack had made the transition to lobbying 10 years earlier, and in 1982 Keyna followed suit, joining his practice after they were married.

   While the Corys maintain strong ties with South Florida legislators, they say they try not to align themselves too tightly with any one group. In addition to working with both Republicans and Democrats, they also work closely with the increasingly Black and Cuban Legislative Caucuses.

   According to Keyna, the key to effective lobbying is having a thorough understanding of the issues, and being able to provide honest, accurate information at the appropriate times. It is also critical, Jack adds, that legislators hear from the people back home who are affected by their actions. (Especially in our industry, where the local exchange companies have a paid employee network contacting legislators throughout the year.)

   "Too many people put their legislators on a pedestal," he says, "when they are just hard working people like you and me who can't do their jobs effectively without hearing from their constituents."

   "The unique thing about lobbying for the Florida Pay Telephone Association, the Corys say, is that the unusual nature of the industry -- private businesses competing against their suppliers in a monopolistic marketplace -- creates a constant challenge to level the playing field.

   Speaking of playing fields ... Jack and Keyna turn to sports for a diversion from the rigors of legsilative life. Keyna is an avid football fan who serves on the team selection committee for the Blockbuster Bowl. Jack, on the other hand, prefers baseball, and enjoys visiting Atlanta to see the Braves play. While they may not see eye-to-eye on the ultimate athletic contest, they certainly agree on the ultimate sport of all -  politics.