At the Legislature, you don't always look folks in the eye. You read their nametag. During once- or twice-weekly trips to the Capitol, I've also run into folks whose names I already know: City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County officials and staff. (Mayor Jim Smith is there, too, but he says he's concentrating on his lobbying job.)

What's got local officials' attention?

For one, a Helena-to-Great Falls bike and pedestrian trail, using the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad route.

Although there are complaints of a $23 million "corporate giveaway" and possible environmental cleanup costs, the "Corridor of Discovery" could be quite a tourist boon, especially in the Wolf Creek-Craig area.

Clean Indoor Air ordinance defenders had smoke blown in their face last session, when legislators overrode Helena's popularly approved smoking ban.

This time around, the city lost a shot at patching up the ban, when the House of Representatives rejected jury trials for civil infractions. (City Judge Myron Pitch snuffed out the ordinance two years ago over this.)

Although legislators may again get in the middle, it's up to three judges to resolve "economic takings" and enforcement issues.

Though not necessarily an advocate, Helena City Manager Tim Burton thinks cities should be able to consider a local option sales tax. One bill allows a 4 percent tax with a public vote.

Sen. Dave Lewis, R-Helena, proposes to allow the formation of a tax increment financing (TIF) district to help pay for new Interstate 15 interchanges. Like the downtown Helena TIF, taxes from new development are set aside for specific improvements. Local officials say it would help bridge funding gaps that bog down projects. (They might need it; a Custer Avenue exit could cost $30 million.)

But some lawmakers are wary, saying a TIF district takes from schools and favors one development over another.

Growth bills aren't front-page drama, but legislation could paint the future of development here.

Among a volley of ideas, city officials favor proposed "quality growth areas," a Smart Growth concept designating likely areas of urban expansion. Impact fees -- controversial in Gallatin County and some say applied under another name here -- are again on the table.

- Legislators are employees in need of job supervision, says Joel Blackwell, author of the grassroots lobbying handbook, "Personal Political Power."

Here's some tips for would-be power brokers:

1. You can have significant influence.

2. "Call the ones you can vote for." Or send a fax.

3. "What politicians want from you is to understand what your problem is and what you need to solve it...Be able to explain who will be hurt or helped."

4. "They won't back a losing issue and they can't build the consensus. That's your job."

5. "Once you've communicated, don't quit...follow up politely, respectfully and relentlessly until you get an answer. That means about once a week."

6. "Never show anger or try to threaten."

He can't promise you'll win. "But I can promise you will lose if you do nothing," Blackwell says. He's on the Web at www.JoelBlackwell.com.

- This week, Great Falls plays host to President George W. Bush.

Security will be corset-like for No. 43. Compare that to John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign visit to Helena.

A 1988 IR special recalled the details.

Local Democratic Party heavyweight Joe Reber wrote how he hosted the Massachusetts senator at his Floweree Street home, where 500 people crammed the front yard and 100 more waited in the street. Reber's daughters "were infatuated."

Kennedy later hitched a ride in Helena businessman Walter Marshall's "vintage red, white and blue station wagon." Marshall's accompanying cats and dogs "licked the senator's neck all the way to the airport."

"On the Record" appears on Mondays. Lob comments, criticism or kudos to city-county reporter Jason Mohr at 447-4075 or jason.mohr@helenair.com.