Getting Older and Wiser: Public Service and Representation

When I was in seventh grade, not only was I positive I would never “get old,” but I was equally sure that I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. A boy in my class had told me once that a girl could never be President of the United States. Since it was seventh grade, boys were always wrong. And I wanted to be the one to prove it to him.

In eighth grade at St. Catherine Laboure, I ran for class secretary and won. And my friend Janet became President of the 1988 Eighth Grade Class, so I knew in theory, a girl could be the president of something.

My plan was to follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan. After all, he got just about all the votes in 1986, so he must have been doing something right, I thought. I would go to UCLA and become an actress, then run for President, of course.

Let’s just say things did not go quite like that. I opted for a different political party, went to Washington, D.C. for college and majored in political science. Now that I am having another birthday, I wonder how one’s age affects their public service.

For me, public service has always been about representation. Representing my constituents and their interests has always been number one priority for me. As someone in their 30s, however, you could say I represent the baby boomer generation in a slightly different way.

I have spent countless hours listening to voter concerns and formulating legislative and public policy solutions. This problem-solving is what keeps me focused and excited. Trust me, in public service, there is a never-ending flow of problems to solve.

Representation is also being responsible about future planning and having the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. I believe a good public servant, whether a mayor, city council or state legislator, must be more forward-thinking than your average voter. It’s your job.

Many people are busy with the everyday focus of their lives: working, taking care of the family, maintaining their homes, tending to the needs of others, or just living paycheck to paycheck. Elected officials are hired to spend much of their time planning for the future.

The last thing on most peoples’ minds is how Jefferson City will affect their life or what those crazy politicians are doing in Washington D.C. These political and government activities are more like entertainment to most, another set of questions and stress most people are happy to ignore.

So on my birthday this week, I am happy to take the mantle again. The public always needs someone to trust to make the best decisions they can. I hope to get even better at public service as I get older. Perhaps maybe even a little wiser.