Troy Talk
So You Want To Run For Office?
“Why are you running for election?” This is a fundamental question that every person running for elective office will be asked on the campaign trail at some point. It is also a question that you better have a darn good answer for, not just for the questioner but for yourself as well. A strong democracy is built upon an engaged citizenry as well as committed and competent, individuals willing to present themselves for service in public office. By stepping up to run for office, the basic tenets of our democracy as designed by our nation’s founders and eloquently presented by President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg are fulfilled: “…government of the people, by the people, for the people.” However, running for office and serving as an elected official will also test your own personal constitution in ways you may not have imagined. So, you want to run for office, huh?
Wage Stagnation: Steam Rolling Our Economic Progress
We all know someone like this. In fact, that someone might be ourselves.
It’s the condition where we are trying to move forward a bit economically yet never seem to quite cross that modest threshold we’ve set for ourselves. Worse is the situation where we are working as hard as we ever have, are being cautious with our spending, yet we’re still falling short. It’s like the proverbial hamster wheel. You keep running and you even pick up speed when necessary, but in the end, you never go anywhere.
An Energizing Initiative for Small Businesses
Rarely does a day pass that we don’t read or hear a news story related to energy and the environment. And no matter how well-meaning or interested we are, the relevance sometimes still seems distant.
Protecting the Elderly from Financial Exploitation
The language describing the financial abuse of the elderly is direct and explosive: “Rampant, largely invisible, expensive and lethal” is how Kathleen Quinn, executive director of the National Adult Protective Services described it at a recent Senate Special Committee on Aging. You can watch the debate at http://1.usa.gov/1BV0R4R.
Recapping the Summer Policy Series
During this past summer, I wanted to try something different that I hadn’t done previously. I decided to publish my Summer Policy Series, which is a quick overview of some of the initiatives I have authored on a variety of policy topics. I pride myself on trying to be transparent and informative when it comes to my legislative service. That is why I created the Summer Policy Series. I wanted everyone to know where I stand on issues of vital importance to our state and why I take those positions.
To familiarize yourself with or to catch up if you missed them, you can access the Summer Policy Series here:
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Jobs, Today!
In the wake of our recent Labor Day celebration, generally symbolizing the unofficial end of summer, I am still thinking about the impact labor has on all of us. While reflecting back on the origins of Labor Day is important, it also should serves as a reminder to us about what the future of our workforce looks like. The principles upon which Labor Day were founded are still relevant today and will be essential building blocks for the jobs of tomorrow.