Experiences of a first-term legislator

As the 60th Montana Legislature closes its first third of the 2007 session, I'm taking the time to send along my observations, thoughts and a few experiences as a first-term legislator.

So far, the time has flown by. Getting to know over 100 fellow legislators, lobbyists, legislative staff members, government agency workers, media personnel and visitors; trying to learn the ropes of the legislative process; attending daily committee meetings; participating in daily House floor sessions; introducing bills; meeting with groups and agencies; reading and studying bills; the ever-present one-on-one discussions about the issues facing Montana Š the daily schedule leaves me not needing to look for something to do!

In talking with friends, colleagues and neighbors back home, I've found that there is a lot of curiosity about what I've observed and what legislators do. I can't speak for anyone else, but here's some of what I've learned so far: 1) getting a bill passed into law is truly a marathon; 2) most legislators are nice people; 3) the information fed to each of us is of astounding volume; 4) possessing and utilizing time management skills are critical in being effective; 5) eating healthy and exercising is much more challenging here while in session, mainly because of the early morning to late-night schedule. For example, here was my day today: Awoke at 4:30.

Exercised. Arrived at the Capitol at 6 a.m. Checked correspondence, mail, read bills, etc. until 9. Attended Judiciary Committee meeting until 12:45 p.m.

Attended full floor session from 1-3 p.m. Attended Education Committee meeting from 3-5 p.m. Attended full floor session from 5-6:30. Finished writing column from 6:30-8 p.m. Arrived home at 8:30. Did some bill research. In bed by 11 p.m.

I vote multiple times every day. I vote on motions, on bills in committee, on bills on the floor, on amendments to bills, on amendments to motions, on committee reports Š Some are relatively easy or routine. Some are extremely complex or difficult. I've been faced with bills dealing with spending $15 million at a pop, seatbelt law for children, child custody and abuse/neglect issues, prison inmate end-of-life care, abortion and parental notification, and Š taxes - of course - just to scratch the surface.

I'm humbled at the knowledge veteran legislators possess. In Judiciary Committee, the three attorneys there can fine-tooth a seemingly-simple bill and shred it until it's completely exposed as unworthy for passage. Other veterans ask insightful questions that help explore possible unintended consequences of a bill's stated intent. Some veterans are very well-versed in the Constitution, keeping watch that no conflict will occur in the passage of any given bill. In other words, the process works. Every bill gets scrutinized at every level. Still, the process isn't perfect, but it's better than anything else we can imagine.

This is a fascinating process, one that I appreciate every morning when I walk in to the House Chamber and look up at the south wall where C.M. Russell's beautiful full-wall mural of Lewis & Clark meet the Salish at Ross's Hole is displayed. All of us serving here are extremely fortunate to be a part of this experience. It's demanding work, a big responsibility, but we're rewarded every day through the participation of the process.

Still, it's tough not being able to get back home to family, friends, colleagues and students. I'm looking forward to mid-session at the end of this month, when we'll have three days off to travel home.

It's been great to see community members here in Helena. Roger and Peggy Newman, Troy Bowman, Gene Marcille, Dave Wick, Monica Jungster, Barb Riley, Jill Rocksund, Mike Nicosia, Chris Byrd, Alan Sempf, Muriel Callahan, Rachel Potter, and wife Char are a few who have made the trek to date. Thanks for coming over, and I hope many others will also have the chance to visit Helena while the legislature is in session. Also, thanks to all of you for the input on upcoming legislation. I appreciate the heads-up and background you can provide.

To contact me, email at bcdc@digisys.net or 253-8744.

Doug Cordier represents House District 3 which includes Columbia Falls and the Canyon.