People’s House

Twice a week we go into session. When we do, I always insist on walking outside and up the Capitol steps. On Thursday, a couple Reps suggested using the tunnels.

I resisted. “No way, we walk outside and up the steps to the ‘People’s House’,” I said. “This way we always see who is at the Capitol and we always greet any visitors–no matter their intentions.”

Reluctantly, they joined me and walked over and up the steps. As we walked in, there was two mothers and their kids–grade school age– on the steps. I walked over and met each kid and welcomed them the Capitol. One mom looked at my name tag and said, “Oh, we saw where you sit on the House floor.” I was honored.

The kids were so excited that a “Representative” would take a minute to stop and talk. In my opinion, it should not be the exception to stop and visit and thank people; it should be the rule. It is why I always walk up the steps and never take the backdoor.