(no subject)
I asked my delegate the following questions to get a glimpse in what it is like for him to be a representative in the West Virginia legislature.
What is the most difficult part of being a delegate?
Knowing you could make someone mad. You can't make everyone happy, of course. Also, balancing all aspects of life, family, personal life, business.
What issues are your constituents most concerned with? What do you hear the most about?
Jobs, jobs, jobs. Staying employed. Find ways not to jeopardize jobs, too. I hear a lot about the coal industry and how it affects so many people's lives in so many ways. The same with Marcellus Shale, it will support the entire economy and our infrastructure.
Do your votes generally reflect what your constituents want or do you sometimes go against their demands?
Most of the time, I vote what I feel about the issue, despite what the people want.
Your votes and opinions are out there for all to see, do you mind the lack of privacy?
You HAVE to get used to it. Having your opinions out there for everyone to see is part of the job, they have to be out there. It's necessary because people want to know what is going on, and what is to come.
What is your favorite part of this job? What makes you keep doing this?
I really like the fact that we passed the Autism bill [requires state to provide insurance for autism spectrum disorders]. People were so grateful, but you don't really do it for the thank yous or recognition. I like helping people and making a differences in peoples' lives. That makes it worth it. The outcomes of the decisions we make can affect so many people in positive ways.
From these answers, I gathered that Delegate Skaff acts a trustee for the people. He considers what his people want, and allows that to inform his opinion, and that may lead one to believe that he is a delegate of the people. However, when it comes to casting his vote, he ultimately chooses to vote with his conscience.
What is the most difficult part of being a delegate?
Knowing you could make someone mad. You can't make everyone happy, of course. Also, balancing all aspects of life, family, personal life, business.
What issues are your constituents most concerned with? What do you hear the most about?
Jobs, jobs, jobs. Staying employed. Find ways not to jeopardize jobs, too. I hear a lot about the coal industry and how it affects so many people's lives in so many ways. The same with Marcellus Shale, it will support the entire economy and our infrastructure.
Do your votes generally reflect what your constituents want or do you sometimes go against their demands?
Most of the time, I vote what I feel about the issue, despite what the people want.
Your votes and opinions are out there for all to see, do you mind the lack of privacy?
You HAVE to get used to it. Having your opinions out there for everyone to see is part of the job, they have to be out there. It's necessary because people want to know what is going on, and what is to come.
What is your favorite part of this job? What makes you keep doing this?
I really like the fact that we passed the Autism bill [requires state to provide insurance for autism spectrum disorders]. People were so grateful, but you don't really do it for the thank yous or recognition. I like helping people and making a differences in peoples' lives. That makes it worth it. The outcomes of the decisions we make can affect so many people in positive ways.
From these answers, I gathered that Delegate Skaff acts a trustee for the people. He considers what his people want, and allows that to inform his opinion, and that may lead one to believe that he is a delegate of the people. However, when it comes to casting his vote, he ultimately chooses to vote with his conscience.