First, let me talk about Community Leadership days. In many
of the larger cities and towns around the state offer community leadership
programs that provide an opportunity for citizens to learn about their local
and state governments. Though each group is unique, it is special to be able to
honor them with floor resolutions during session. Over the last three weeks we
have had groups from Granbury, Cleburne, and Waxahachie come to the Capitol.
It is encouraging for
me - as someone who is passionate about governance - to see other people
interested in making their communities a better place. The news often talks
about national and statewide issues, but rarely do we hear about local leaders
and the difference they are making. The participants in these classes are
businessmen and women, lawyers, doctors, and other community leaders. These are
the people changing your cities. These are the people making your lives better.
So it is encouraging for me, and I know it is a highlight for many of the
members, to recognize these leadership classes.
--
The Texas Tribune is a non-partisan news outlet here in
Texas. Last Friday, Sen. Birdwell had the opportunity to sit on what the
Tribune calls a "Hot Seat". The Hot Seats are conversations, hosted
by different universities around the state, that bring together Evan Smith (the
Tribune's CEO and Editor in Chief) and elected officials to discuss state
issues. The most recent event had a panel of Sen. Birdwell, Rep.
"Doc" Anderson (represents Waco / McClennan County) and Rep. Kyle
Kacal (represents the section between College Station and Waco).
The issues ranged from water and transportation - specifically
using the Rainy Day Fund to help pay for them - to public education and
Medicaid expansion. To brag on my boss a bit… Though I wasn't there (I actually
only got to watch the video of it this morning), I believe Sen. Birdwell did a
great job. One of the things that I really like about working for the Senator
is his ability to get down to the root of issues. He doesn't just take our
briefings and regurgitate facts, figures, or talking points (believe me, the
office was very busy prepping him for the Hot Seat much of last week). Instead,
he can easily cut to the core and clearly articulate the big ideas that are at
work behind the scenes.
Watch the Hot Seat here: http://www.texastribune.org/2013/02/26/the-hot-seat-a-conversation-with-waco-lawmakers/
I'll get off my soap box, but I really enjoy working the
Sen. Birdwell.
--
Lastly, tomorrow is Baylor Day at the Capitol. I get to wear
my green and yellow bow tie, and hopefully won't get too much grief about it.
I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but earlier in the
session I got to meet Judge Starr and a number of other top Baylor administrators.
Needless to say, I was a little star struck (no pun intended). [For those of
you who don't attend Baylor, Ken Starr is second only to God…. Yes… He is that
cool.]
We have a reception to attend, a recognition on the floor of
Judge Star and other dignitaries, and meetings with Baylor representatives.
Sic Em Bears!
[N.B. - All the opinions expressed in this blog are mine, and mine alone. I do not represent the opinions of the office of Sen. Birdwell, the Texas Senate, or the State of Texas.]
No comments:
Post a Comment