One of my favorite things about serving in the Legislature is that it never gets old. Every two years, just when I get accustomed to the way things are, the scenery changes. New members come in, offices and committee assignments are altered, and I am presented with a new opportunity to do good work for the people of Maine.
Our first order of business after the ballots are counted and the winners of the election are declared is to convene in Augusta for the week-long pre-legislative conference. This is our chance to get to know one another. And for new members, it’s a great opportunity to learn how this place works.
New legislators will learn about the committee process, the biennial budget, how to file bills, and ethical standards. They learn the ins and outs of the State House—the right people to ask for detailed information on the tax code or the best place to go for lunch. And, perhaps most importantly, they learn about the complex relationship between the legislative, judicial and executive branches.
All members are sworn in by the governor on December 5. This ceremony reinforces the reasons why we are here. This is public service, after all, and we are all in it together. The governor is given an opportunity to inspire the new wave of lawmakers with a speech, and the old hands, like me, can catch up with others on what we’ve been up to since we adjourned. This part of the week never fails to stir some emotions in me and remind me that I am lucky to be able to serve the state I love.
Later, each party formally elects its presiding officer. The House votes on its clerk and the Senate votes on its counterpart, the Secretary of the Senate. We also elect Maine’s constitutional officers: Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor, and Secretary of State. This may be the most important event of the week, as these people do very difficult jobs under challenging circumstances. Finding folks with the right experience, temperament and judgement is something I take very seriously.
In the coming months, we will debate all kinds of bills, and I am sure there will be disagreements about policies. There always are, and I welcome these discussions. Often, this debate results in better legislation. It is my hope that we remember to be civil and respectful at all times, no matter where we land on which laws get passed and which do not.
In the meantime, the pre-legislative conference gives us all an opportunity to get to know each other before the session begins and the debates start. We all benefit when Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Greens, and whoever else can get together in a room and see each other for who we really are: Mainers representing Mainers. We are all here to do our best for the people.
I look forward to doing great work for the people of Penobscot County in the 129th Legislature, and I will keep you updated in this space as we go. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at Jamesdill207@gmail.com, or to call me at my office at (207) 287-1515 or my personal phone at (207) 827-3498. My line is always open.
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