Why do you want to get into politics?

The most common question I’m asked is “why do you want to get into politics”? My reasoning goes back to my childhood.

When I was a first grade student at Lincoln Elementary School in Hammond, Congressman Pete Visclosky came to visit our school.

He was very personable and engaging. As many of us know keeping the attention of a room full of 6 and 7 year olds is no easy task.

He passed out these mini nylon American flags. I kept my flag well into high school. Until the mini-flag finally got too yellowed to respectfully be displayed.

It was also a special day because it was a Friday, our teacher brought in a cake, and the cherry on top was no homework!

What more could a kid ask for on a school day?

In all seriousness, the passion he displayed for how government serves the people really resonated with me, and I got interested in public service and poli-sci at a young age in part because of him.

Keeping that in mind it is kind of poetic that his career in Congress is winding down as mine in elected public office is trying to get off the ground.

Grateful and thankful for Visclosky for being an inspiration and his years of service to the NWI.