Freshman lawmakers learn the Legislature's traditions
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By Daniel Barlow Vermont Press Bureau - Published: January 12, 2009
MONTPELIER — Some lawmakers frown and flash bored eyes at the pomp and circumstance during the first week of the new legislative session at the Statehouse.
But don't add Rep. Peter Fagan, Rutland City, to the list. For him, the rituals and ceremonies remind him of the important work that has been conducted under the Golden Dome for the past 150 years.
"I was in the military, so I'm used to a lot of pomp and circumstance," said Fagan, a Republican who began his first term at the Statehouse last week. "For me, it's a nod to the history that runs through this building. It reminds me that I'm walking in the footsteps of more than a hundred years of history."
Fagan was one of dozens of new state representatives — along with three new state senators — who filed into Montpelier's Statehouse last week for the start of the new legislative session.
For many new lawmakers, the Statehouse can be a confusing labyrinth of hallways and committee rooms and of process and procedure. Luckily, the "freshman class" of legislators also has experienced colleagues to rely on and helpful Statehouse staff who know the best route from the cafeteria to the House or Senate chambers.
There is also a palpable level of excitement for new lawmakers as they are thrust into a vital, but sometimes thankless and stressful, role as a representative of their constituency back in their hometown.
For another freshman lawmaker, Rep. Kesha Ram, a Burlington Democrat, holding elected office is the natural step to a life devoted to public service.
At 22 years old, Ram is the youngest lawmaker in Vermont right now. Last year, she was the president of the University of Vermont's Student Government Association, representing about 10,000 students. This year she beat out a popular Progressive incumbent for a seat in the Vermont House.
"It's tremendously exciting to be here," she said Wednesday, standing outside of the Vermont House chambers hours after the new session began. "It's everything I hoped it would be and more."
And add Ram to the list of lawmakers who enjoy the spectacle that comes along with the kick-off of the session.
"I enjoy the rituals," she said. "We're part of something bigger than just us."
Friday morning, new and veteran lawmakers received advice on one of the most dangerous aspects of their job: Talking to the media.
Gene Rose, the communications director for the National Conference of State Legislators, gave an hour-long speech — complete with PowerPoint — on how to (and how not to) interact with the fourth estate.
Speaking to the media is necessary for lawmakers to get their message out, Rose explained. He reminded lawmakers that reporters were people too, and that they are not "out to get you" — they're just looking for a good story that interests their readers.
"Quite frankly, the public wants to hear from you," Rose said. "And the best way to do that is to give interviews with the media."
He also warned that the national media — he singled out Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly as an example — often want to sensationalize stories and can engage in a form of attack journalism to knock subjects off their feet.
O'Reilly has targeted Vermont several times in recent years, including sending a news crew to ambush a House Democrat two years ago for not voting for allegedly tougher sex offender laws. The same news crew ambushed Gov. James Douglas last summer following the Brooke Bennett murder.
Rose said it's fair for subjects to ask for some time to prepare for an interview — and he warned them not to be rude, which is exactly what the sensational reporters are looking for.
When O'Reilly's crew ambushed the House lawmaker in the Statehouse cafeteria in 2007, fellow legislators gave them "exactly what they wanted," according to Sen. Jeanette White, a Windham Democrat.
"They showed us on TV as the crazy Vermonters we are," she said.
Some new lawmakers are already used to dealing with the media. Rep. Mary Hooper, a Montpelier Democrat, is among them — she's been serving as the city's mayor for several years, a job she plans to hold onto with her new role as a state representative.
"I got here this morning at around 8 a.m. and will hopefully be done in time for the City Council meeting tonight," Hooper said Wednesday afternoon.
Hooper's first week was typical of many other new lawmakers: She took the oath of office to begin her first term, helped elect the new speaker of the Vermont House, was assigned to a committee and briefly met with fellow lawmakers to discuss the weeks ahead.
"I'm eager to get to work," she said. "There is a sense of urgency this year."
Contact Daniel Barlow at Daniel.Barlow@timesargus.com.
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