In the News

Pioneer Press, August 6, 2009

For State Rep. Karen S. May, D-58th, part of her work for North Shore constituents involves climbing onto a tractor in a crop field downstate.

For State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-29th, part of her work involves maintaining ties with Republican colleagues and an occasional visit to the House side of the State Capitol building where she used to serve.

Springfield legislating is not easy. Garrett said, "You have to have the right temperament and be open-minded."

"We're in an economically uncertain time," said May, "so a lot of people are worried about the economy and their personal situation. So, they may be a little more negative than usual. We have been through a time that has shaken trust in government. I've spent a lot of time trying to rebuild faith in Government. We have made some progress."

Coalition building

Garrett and May said state legislators bring many skills to the legislative process.

Liking people, having a thick skin, knowing how to build coalitions and working from facts rather than misinformation are attributes that sustain May.

For Garrett, too, a legislator is guided by what her constituents communicate to her in various ways. This means having an ability to listen and appreciate the views of others.

The character of a legislator, she said, starts with a love for family and community as well as a commitment to high ethical standards.

"To be effective, you've got to be elected," said May. "To get elected you need to listen to voters, you need to be accessible to them, and to communicate with them."

May likes to hold town hall meetings. The meetings give people the chance to meet her and to discuss any topic with her.

She attends public events, uses e-mail newsletters and takes telephone calls.

"We have such involved constituents that they've got good ideas," she said. "I believe there is somewhat of a sentiment out there where some people want to 'throw the bums out.' That hasn't been true in our area because the people here understand the nuances of government and politics, and they are sophisticated and educated. (In addition,) I've reached out to others."

View from a tractor
She talks with Republicans and Chicago colleagues. Even if they do not support her, this time, she said, she can at least learn and maybe make something work for all of them in the future.

May has sat on southern Illinois farm equipment to see things from the farmers' perspective.

"I was down there this May," she said. "We've got a very good relationship. They feel they can approach me with agricultural issues. They can listen to more populist issues."

Counting to 60

"In the House, you need to learn how to count to 60," in order to pass legislation, May said.

Without those 60 votes, nothing will be adopted.

She works with others to help them reach their 60 votes and wants their help in turn on policies she advocates.

"I do try to create public policy rather than just follow," she said.

May likes to unlock problems, and her former experience in the business world has helped her. It encourages her sense of creativity and brings out her tenacious sensibilities -- sensibilities she thinks Garrett also possesses.

Asked about character traits, May said, "You have to like people. You do have to have a thick skin. I am getting a thicker skin, but, if I get too thick a skin, then I won't care. Then I won't want to be in a policy position anymore."

"On some issues, if someone disagrees with a vote or (with) my position, I think it's important to reach out to them," she said. "They have to identify themselves. I'm interested in that dialogue."

Politics is local

Character and compassion start locally, Garrett said.

"Compassion is needed to understand where your constituents are coming from and the ability to put yourself in their shoes," she said. "I think it's a strong sense of community, a commitment to my own family, because it reflects how you treat others, and a commitment to high ethical standards."

Garrett was born and raised in the Deerfield-Highland Park-Highwood-Lake Forest area. Her family "goes way back," in this area as well. She went to Deerfield High School and her siblings attended Highland Park High School.

Her political career was homegrown, too.

"I came from the grass roots," she said. "It makes all the difference in the world. I had no invitation to run for office. I didn't see politics from a political perspective."

She felt like an outsider going to Springfield to help people affected by government, which may account for her desire to see more transparency in legislation.

"That taught me a lesson," Garrett said. "I always listen. Elected officials are first and foremost public servants and they should not receive special treatment."