Unicameral Update: A Bit of Reflection

The legislative chamber erupted in applause when Speaker Arch announced that tomorrow will be the final day of the 109th Legislature, first session.  There are three bills on the agenda for final reading, and the Governor has agreed to veto or sign all of the bills in his possession before they adjourn. Sine Die here we come!!!

What day is your favorite day of the legislative session?  This question was asked of each senator that spoke to the NE Chamber’s Public Affairs Council that meets regularly during session.  As you can guess, most of them said “Sine Die,” some said, “the first day,” and the freshmen said, “I don’t know yet.”  This was my 35th session and I agree with the freshmen. The first day is exciting with all of the pomp and circumstance and feels like the first day back at school (that would be Jr. High) when you get to see all of your friends and catch up.  Sine Die is a fabulous day to celebrate the fact that we all survived, and one that gives us the permission to take a deep breath and slow down for a while. Oh, and get reacquainted with our families and friends whom we have been ignoring for the past five months. Between those two days, it is like a rollercoaster, and we get to win some and lose some, but most of all, we get to work with some great people and build relationships that last.

This year has been like a giant stand-up rollercoaster that goes upside down and whips through countless blind twists and turns.  We might be a little shaken, but we survived.  I thought about this yesterday while sitting in Walt’s office imagining what he would have said about session.  I decided he would have said “I told you; you would figure it out.” This is because once, while in an office meeting and discussing whether we needed a formal succession plan, I said I’d like to have something in place to facilitate a smooth transition.  Walt said “Why? You will figure it out.” Justin, Julie, and Connie heard me exclaim “This is me figuring it out!” while walking through the office several times over the past five months. 

You see, while Walt can never be replaced, I know he was never worried about Justin and I taking the reins. Justin and I figured that out 26 years ago when Walt had to leave during session to have a liver transplant.  Justin had been with us for only a few months and I looked at him and said, you figure out the office stuff, I’m going to the Capitol.  Ever since then, Walt, Justin and I knew that we made a great team. 

Speaking of our team, we had a couple changes during session and will have another soon. If you have called the office recently, or deal with billings, you have gotten to know Connie Chamberlain.  While Connie has worked with us for 14 years in a part-time position, she joined us full time as our office manager two weeks ago.  Julie Nygren, who served as the firm’s office manager for the past 24 years, decided to retire in April.  Julie was a trusted assistant and friend to Walt and we wish her all the best.  In the next few weeks we hope to announce another addition to our team and I’m really excited because this person is going to assist me with bill tracking and client communications (35 years and I finally get an assistant!!! – mostly my fault for being a control freak and horrible at delegating).  With these personnel changes we will also be making some improvements and updates to our databases and communication formats.  If you have any suggestions or requests, please let me know. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that I know a great part of our success is all of you, our relationships, and your trust in our firm.  We truly appreciate and enjoy working with you and look forward to many more successful years. 

Enough of the sappy stuff, time to chill the champagne!!  (It was always Walt’s favorite way to celebrate.) 

If anything unexpected happens tomorrow, I will be back in touch.  Otherwise, you can expect final bill tracking reports and a session wrap-up within the next week. 

Have a great week!

Korby M. Gilbertson
Radcliffe Gilbertson & Brady