The First Three Weeks 2/6/11

I quit my job on January 7th in order to fulfill my commitment to become a State Representative for House District 29. This was a little frightening. I had campaigned for well over a year and knew it would come to that. I was about to embark on a new life one which did not compare to any position I had ever held before. I have done everything from dig ditches to owning a company and everything in between. This is nothing like any of those positions. I is a whole different world, one with which I am both cautious and excited.

The session began with our swearing in ceremony on January 12th. My father and stepmother or bonus mother as I call her flew in for the week. My mother and Bonus father were unable to make it as they were ill at the time. I was happy that my father could make it as it has not always been possible. For my Mother there will be other opportunities. I love them both for their efforts and their love. Ok no more mushy stuff and on to the story.

Day two was different as It was not our day, it was the Governors day. It was the State of the State address and I was honored to be picked as one of the three Representatives in the party of six who were to escort the Governor from his office to the Floor of the House of Representatives. His speech was inspiring and it gave hope to everyone about his commitment to the State. For those of us who have never had the opportunity to attend a swearing in ceremony, State of the State address, or to even sit in the House of Representatives, I can only say that this week was the most exciting week of my life. Not because of who was there, but, because of the opportunity to be part of something larger than myself. It was definitely an honor to take part in this day.

Day Three, also a day of ceremony. On Friday the 14th, the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court addressed the joint chamber. He was humorous and serious. Chief Justice Michael Bender was sincere in his words as he spoke of his commitment to the State through the Justice system.

When the first week was over, the time had come to get down to business and that is what we did. Our bills had to be submitted and we were to begin committee work. I was appointed to the Education Committee, and the Transportation committee. These are great as I have a great concern and love of Education. My wife and mother inlaw are both teachers and I have a wonderful understanding of what they go through. We have one of the best educational systems in the world. It needs some work, but, we can get there. I am looking forward to serving on this committee. Transportation is a bit different, as we have several state highways and projects in the District. The funding for transportation is limited, so it will be a difficult process. I also look forward to serving on this committee.

We have had oversight hearings where the departments present what they have done over the past year and what they see as needs over the next couple of years. It is interesting to see what is involved in running some of these entities. We have heard Representatives present their bills. I have had one bill before committee and it passed to the committee of the whole. (For those of us who have no idea what that is, it simply means it will be read for the House to vote on)

I am getting my feeling for the process and I can say that it is a bit overwhelming at times. Thankfully there is a support system like no other. It is an experience like no other. Thank you for your support and your faith in me. I will serve you with intent and honor in representing your needs and concerns with our constitution leading the way.