Recently the StateHouseFiles reported that State Senator Brandt Hershman was leaving the legislature for a job in Washington, D.C.
Indy commentator Abdul Hakim-Shabazz followed up with a story about several legislators not running for their seats again.
Why so interesting? Because there are so many – 13 – leaving, and because almost to a man or woman they have been legislators of considerable influence; legislators we all like to see working for us – productive!
One legislator, Chair of Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Senator Brandt Hershman, was one of the most successful in advancing legislation. He seemed to prefer topics around local government, and even when they weren’t that popular with some local government officials. Hershman didn’t let politics get in the way of something he wanted to do. He even included in one of his bills a proposal of mine to study a tax credit idea for homeowners in certain areas to rehab their homes and he didn’t have to do that.
Efficiency in government was Hershman’s passion. He will be missed. It will be interesting if he takes that passion to his DC attorney job.
Senator Hershman as well as everyone leaving will do well in their new adventures. I, for one, will be watching how each caucus makes up the loss of all this experience. Senator Long has just appointed Senator Travis Holdman to take over Hershman’s tax committee and serve on Appropriations. I watched Holdman navigate some tricky issues on the Commission for the Improvement of the Status of Children. Senator Long has made a good start.
Looking at the issues of Sunday alcohol sales (a sure thing in my book), medical marijuana (which has become so confusing it could be delayed), gerrymandering (which I have doubts will go anywhere), financially starved school districts and the troubled child services department, to name a few, legislators will have quite a challenge this session. Oh, and you have to throw in the potential impact of the 2018 election year and what leadership wants as priority and doesn’t want to be high profile.  Posted belo are links you might enjoy reading.
.So stay tuned. I think this political session is going to be really interesting.
Sincerely,
Gail Riecken
Former District 77 State Representative and State House Editor For Th City County Observer
