Category Archives: Women in Power
#GamePlan
Posted on March 9, 2016 by sonsyrea
We covered a lot of bases in the meeting. Billy gave an update on pending legislation, and said Madame Senator will be in a major battle to finally pass her signature legislation, the Pollution Irritation Mitigation Pump (P.I.M.P.) bill. This legislation would get the people of our state the same kind of air pollution reduction pump residents in every other state have.
"Billy what's the game plan?" Michelle asked. "We know when they come at us this time, they're coming with something different. The last time they attached new mandatory sentencing for marijuana possession to her P.I.M.P. bill and killed it. Now that they've introduced new mandatory sentencing as a stand-alone bill, we know her opponents will find something else to kill her P.I.M.P. bill. So, what's the game plan?"
"She sent letters to Sen. Harry Reid already, and to Congressman Steny Hoyer and Speaker Pelosi on the House side. We're waiting to hear back from them," Billy said. "We doubt they'll be able to pass the new mandatory sentencing as a stand-alone bill, but we're keeping close tabs."
"Okay Garrett, could you work with Billy contacting the LDs in the committees where the new mandatory sentencing amendments might come up. Make sure they give us a heads up, so we can keep Madame Senator up to date on it."
Garrettt agreed easily.
"Billy, make sure you keep in touch with the City Council Chairman and the mayor's office. We may need them," Michelle said.
I looked around the room and noticed that staffers seemed to have a lot in common. Everyone was young; most were younger than me, in their mid-twenties. I was feeling like an old-head, but young enough compared to our fearless leader, the seventy-one-year-old Senator. There were photos of Madame Senator placed around her office – a photo of her with the Camille Cosby, another with her and an aging Rosa Parks, and another with her, former Essence Editor Susan Taylor, and the venerable Dr. Dorothy Height, who founded the National Council of Negro Women to groom young women for leadership. I also noticed photos of her with her two sons with her at her first swearing in twenty-two years ago. I couldn't imagine the pain of losing both her sons in the same year. One was killed in a drive-by shooting back home, the other killed in a car accident less than a month later. My baby brother died of cancer ten years ago when he was twelve. The shock and sadness had been deep and long lasting. For years I was disconnected from my emotions. In many ways, I still am. I considered The Senator's loss might still make her edgy at times.
Describe one of your current or upcoming goals?
What obstacles, set-backs, disappointments can you anticipate?
What is your game plan for pushing through any obstacles to a particular goal? (Be specific about resources, beliefs, friends who may help you through.)
#UnderAttack
The district director, Warner, ran through the list of upcoming community events, then staffers in the District Office gave updates on the events they were planning.
The meeting was in full swing when Madame Senator came in.
"Good morning," she said, lowering her shoulder bag onto her desk. "Somebody hand me a copy of the agenda." She sat behind her desk and leaned back in her chair, changing out of her walking shoes into low-heeled red pumps matching her red skirt suit. I noticed we were wearing the exact same small gold button earrings, and the same colors. She reached in her desk drawer and pulled out a bag of cashews and began munching as Michelle handed her the agenda.
"So, what's the status of the town hall meeting for my clean air bill? Why don't I see it on this agenda?" she said, holding the page with both hands.
Michelle and Billy looked at each other puzzled.
"Senator, I don't think you talked to anybody about wanting to do a town hall meeting on the clean air bill…" Billy began.
"I most certainly did!" The Senator insisted. "Michelle, I left you a message on your phone saying I wanted you to discuss it with staff and have details for me when I got in this morning. What do you all do in these staff meetings? We don't have time for you to be sitting around giving reports. We've got to move! Warner, by twelve o'clock, I want a list of the venues available for a town hall meeting on this bill. My constituents need to know this thing is not dead and that I am still working hard to get them the same basic right to clean air as every other American."
"Yes ma'am," Warner said. "When do you want to have the event? This month? This Summer?"
"My Word! You all haven't discussed this at all? I should at least have some possible dates and a list of venues…" she fussed.
"Madame Senator, I told you I did not get your m…." Michelle started.
"Don't you dare cut me off!" she snapped. "You listen to what I have to say. Don't you dare cut me off!"
Heads bowed, smiles faded. Sandra tried to make eye contact with Michelle, who was clearly annoyed.
"Now Warner, you get me that list ASAP. Who else is on the phone? Is Danielle here?"
"Yes ma'am," came a voice on the phone.
"Get me a list of new experts on pollution, some folks who can bring some new perspective and new weight to the issue. You know I hate to repeat anything we've already done."
"What else?" she said, looking at Michelle.
"We covered everything on the agenda. We were just about to wrap things up…" Michelle said.
"Sounds to me like all you all did was talk about what's already been done! I can't be the only thinker in here. That's why we have staff. You all have got to learn to use your time more wisely. Think! Use your heads! What needs to be done!"
Describe a time when you felt personally/professionally under attack.
How would you handle a similar siutation better in the future?