A Day in the Life of a Senator: Meet Wendy Davis, Part 1

by: Todd Hill

Tue Feb 03, 2009 at 03:53 PM CST

So my afternoon, and interview, yesterday with Senator Davis revealed some impressive qualities about her as an individual and a politician, but also revealed a clear set of goals and overall motivation to have an impact in the 81st Legislative session.  

Our lunch hour began yesterday by attending the Texas Broadcasters Association Luncheon.  Senator Davis was not able to attend due to an impromptu meeting, but Bernie Scheffler and I did.  Mostly uneventful, but good to see Representatives Chris Turner and Lon Burnam from Tarrant County.  

The senate convened about 1:30PM to which some basic motions were passed.  Probably two of the most important things that occurred was the motion to allow the Senate Finance Committee to convene passed unanimously, as was a resolution honoring the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.  My observations of Senator Davis while the senate was in session?  Studious, focused, and engaged.  The senator studies a number of folders that her staff puts together that contain business of the day, research, potential legislation, etc.  It is clear that she is doing well in keeping up and learning while remaining focused on the task at hand.  

Senator Davis kept up her determined pace for the day by tending to a number of meetings in her office.  During that time, staff and I went to file two Bills on behalf of the Senator.  Senate Bill 630 provides incentives to multi-family dwellings such as apartments for green energy efficiency upgrades.  Senate Bill 631 would ensure that individuals with disabilities would not have their electricity cutoff during high-peak times, such as summer, for inability to pay their bill.  

Arriving back at the office, I had the opportunity to sit down and conduct a wide-ranging interview over topics such as money in politics, utility deregulation, transportation, education, college tuition, and much more.  My wide ranging interview with Senator Davis will be the final part of this series.

One thing is clear from yesterday and that is the fact that Senator Davis possess a real thirst for wanting to learn more, even commenting during my interview with her yesterday that she wanted to become an "expert" on certain issues.  Her energy is boundless and her appetite for learning is unending.  They are qualities that her colleagues will appreciate, and perhaps adopt themselves, and qualities that her constituents will find impressive.