by Ryan McKeen
Here’s Part II of my interview with Representative Gary Holder-Winfield. To read Part I click here.
RM: You mentioned to me that you involve young persons in your campaign. Tell me about this
GHW: I am 36 and I am honest enough to recognize that in many areas there is a well worn groove that is the pattern of how I operate. If you want to be flexible, innovative then thinkers who aren’t as locked in should be a part of the process. They should be a part of the decision making process as readily as we would have them hand out literature. Too many of us want to bring them to the dinner and sit them at the kiddie table, not me. We need to stop talking about how we want young people involved and through our actions demonstrating the opposite. They inherit what we leave behind whether we prepare them or not I happen to think it is better that they are prepared and that means they have to move from the kiddie table to the main dining experience.
RM: If you could change anything about the legislative process what would it be?
GHW: The job is important. People’s lives are affected by the decisions we make – sometimes for the better- sometimes not. I think that (and I know many disagree) the process could be positively affected by moving towards a full time legislature wherein more time could be alloted for completing the tasks at hand.
RM: What cell phone are you using right now and why?
GHW: I was on the Palm Pre until recently when a mishap caused me to have to get a new phone. I now use the HTC Hero for Sprint ( I couldn’t wait for the EVO to release). The hero loke most android phones has a plethora of applications and is a good platform for those who use social media. I am able to Facebook, tweet, recieve email notifications and text constantly so I am rarely disconnected.
RM: How has Facebook and Twitter impacted your life in public service?
GHW: Facebook and Twitter have become an integral part of how I communicate with constituents. While I still use the traditional means of communication, as a supplement, social media technology is invaluable. I am able to be in near constant contact with a portion of my constituency (and the rest of the state). I think it makes you more responsive.
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Many thanks to Gary Holder-Winfield for taking the time to answer these questions.