Interesting Event :)

I usually don't update about things I do unless its worth updating about. This time it is.

Last night I met my State Senator and 2 of my State Representatives at a meeting that my County Republican Party opened to the public.
It started off with a dinner and then the officials spoke. The first speaker was the State Senator followed by the Representatives. They spoke on what had been accomplished this legislative season before they adjourned. Turns out that in 2 years 681 Senate Bills were introduced and 1668 House Bills introduced. Thankfully, not all of them got passed or made it out of committee.

What struck me was how each official governed by a philosophy. My senator said that they voted down quite a few bills because it didn't fit with the Republcan philosphy of "limited government and tax cuts". He proceeded to show us what they had passed and didn't pass int he budget and how those items that were passed fit with priorities of the people in our district. Each of the Representatives built upon that and gave us listeners an idea on how they were furthering our agenda and the things that really matter to us.

Listening to them speak gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of what had been done in the State government and why. You can sit and read bills/first readers all you want online but when you have an opportunity to hear your representative speak about and clarify the issues that had been presented that legislateive term, it means a whole lot more.

Not to mention that they took time out of their busy schedule to come and give you a deeper understanding of what exactly took place at the Capitol, it is much more personal and as the night went on you felt as if you had known them forever rather than a few minutes.

They opened up for questions and people asked about legislation, when my turn came I asked about Illegal Immigration. That stumped them, however they answered it quite well. They didn't shy away from the question like you normally see them do when they're on the news. Rather, they gave me an honest answer.

Interacting with my government officials last night really helped me see that they are normal people after all. Like Reagan said " I'm just a citizen temporarily in public service", that is finally how I see my electd officials. Citizens temporarily in public service, and I am thankful for that.

KP