BY ERIKKA STORCH
Being involved and engaged. That is my nature.
I do not have to have the limelight or be on the stage, but I like to make things happen in my community. It is what was most intriguing about running for office the first time. I like to make a difference for people and try to make their load a little easier to carry.
Serving in the legislature is a pretty cool experience and an honor I never took lightly. It was so rewarding to connect people to information, agencies, people, or whatever led them to me for assistance. Not continuing to do so weighed heavily on my mind as I navigated the decision-making process. But I realized, I could still be involved, engaged, and make my community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. So, that is exactly what I intend to do.
I guess you have to be either bored or care genuinely about your state to listen to livestream of legislative sessions and committee meetings, but I did both with weird interest (maybe obsession) Sunday through Tuesday during the special session. I am going with genuinely care!
My husband, Tom, definitely looked at me like I was binge-watching a show on which he could not get hooked, more than once. Someone once said to me (Steve Novotney) “Once you know how the sausage is made, it’s hard to look away,” and he was correct. I know the processes and could vividly picture it in my head. I still know the players in the game. I just sat in that chamber, perfecting legislation 5 months ago. Plus, I needed to be informed.
People reach out to me expecting answers. A part of the job I never took lightly and am willing to continue as a private citizen. Sometimes, people just do not know who to contact or where to look for the information they need. I enjoy making those connections. I have those who have mentored me to lean on for assistance.
Now, I can add another cool title; I am Steve Novotney’s “political analyst” on River Talk on The River Network. I need to be able to intelligently communicate what occurred and/or is occurring in our state’s Capital under the gold dome.
And that is why this opportunity is so wonderful. I imagine I will always follow the legislative process, at least for the near future. As a member we made strides in improving our state, and I am acutely aware of the items I hope never gain traction in moving beyond the discussion phase. I embrace the challenges created and welcome the discussions about what I have seen and am seeing. Being on-air with Steve has always felt like talking to an old friend.
It seems a lifetime ago when he first had to admonish me to “get up into that mic.”
When I was in elected office, I had some constraints as far as board service and general time constraints. There are boards and organizations whose bylaws prohibit those in elected offices from serving. Others simply did not work with the time of meetings and times I would have legislative conflicts.
Now I am excited to join boards whose missions and executive directors I want to support. Additionally, I have served in similar capacities, which I believe has made me a better board member.
It is another way to remain engaged and involved in my community, and I am excited.
