The negotiating team, after looking at the membership's wish list as well as comparing the topics to surveyed cities should then put together the Association's opening proposal. While this proposal should be reasonable and realistic, it should include items that can be removed from the table during the negotiation process ("throw aways"). The lead negotiator should then send the formal request to the agency, along with the Associations opening proposal, requesting that the meet and confer process commence.

Contemporaneous to this opening proposal going to the agency, the negotiating team's "schmoozer" or president should be out making friends with the local politicians. The topic of such meetings should not be centered on negotiations, but rather warming up to the individuals, letting them know the Association is there to assist them in whatever they need. This contact will go along way when agency staff presents the Association's opening position to the elected officials for a response. Of course, it is best to have this kind of communication and relationship throughout the term of the contract where feasible.