What a learning experience! Meetings with Ryan, Feingold and Kohl
I've enjoyed a week of learning and taking in the movement. On Wednesday, two colleagues and I hiked the hill. We had our message in hand and we were going to spread it to our legislators in Washington. I was prepared to deliver the message. In fact I was over prepared. I learned from my mentor to never have a “I'll get back to you” comment in meetings like these. You must have the answers and you must hit the facts hard and fast.
How could our group different make an impact? We'll personalize. I'm just a volunteer wanting to spread the movement. Both Ryan and Feingold are Janesville guys. Nothing more personal than offering support to the constituents in your hometown, right? I had my notes and I was ready to deliver a passionate plea.
Representative Paul Ryan was up first. Our group teamed with a gentleman from Kenosha. He was also a volunteer director and a constituent of Rep. Ryan. His story was great and he had facts to back it up.
As we sat in the basement of the Cannon Building waiting to meet several of the Wisconsin delegate decided to “join us” as we presented our local case. OK, I'm no longer comfortable. They wanted to sit in because they wanted to see the “first President from Wisconsin”. Wrong reason guys.
Instead of four constituents from district discussing our message we ended up with about a dozen non-constituents who treated Paul like a rock star. Needless to say, the message was lost in the delivery. Internally I was fuming. I tried to personalize. It wasn't working for me but it worked for another in my group.
Rep. Ryan was engaged but not for very long. He understands the issues – I'll certainly give him that. Yet, it didn't feel like he was listening. He heard, but did not listen. He had a ton on his plate. Health care, a vote on the floor and other meetings. However, he still represents us. I'm a voter in his district. We spent all of 3 or 4 minutes on the issue and he was off to shake the hands of the next group of people looking for his support.
Would we have gained Paul's support if it were just the four of us in the room? Who knows. Bankers have deeper pockets than member-owned credit unions. I get the financial game that is played for votes. Fund raising is a full-time job. I'm just a volunteer looking for the best solution to help my community.
At best, he's on the fence with our request. We certainly would have strengthened our relationship if the fans weren't in the room. We should have said no to the fan club. That is the downside to grass-roots advocacy – getting caught up in the “rock star” world rather than staying on message. Lesson learned.
The rest of the afternoon went much better. Of course, this is going to sound partisan but – Senators Feingold and Kohl scheduled time for us and listened to us. They listened and I felt that they had a better understanding of our cause because of the 30-45 minutes each of them gave to us. They listened to my personal plea as a volunteer. A plea for the movement and a plea for our community. Sen. Feingold understands the difficulty in Janesville and spoke to it. He spoke about his bipartisan efforts with Paul Ryan. He talked specifically about Janesville. More importantly, he engaged. He listened.
The day ended on a positive note. Just don't get Senator Kohl started on the Bucks. Yikes.
Weather permitting I'm heading home this morning. Do I feel like I made a difference? Yes. Do I feel like this was a major learning experience? Absolutely. Are there many things I would do differently? No doubt about it. Is the passion as strong this morning as it was on Sunday night? It's stronger!
I'm just a little guy who is trying to make a difference. Thanks for letting me share this week of learning with you. The feedback has been interesting. Once I land in Milwaukee and drive back to Janesville I'll have to figure out what the heck I'm going to do with this passion. I need to constructively use it. I hope there is a place somewhere in Janesville where I will be able to do just that. Any suggestions?
Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of Janesville Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.
Mar 11, 2010 at 6:18 p.m.
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janesvillejoe: I like how Steve Knox rolls, I'm not going to apologize for it. Any individual who is trying to make this area a better place always has my support. That is just who I am. BTW: Feel free to join me for my 26.2 mile warm-up walk on 3-14-10. Please contact me for more details. Thanks!
Feb 26, 2010 at 7:31 p.m.
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Ryan has actually always given me pretty decent responses. I rarely agree with him, but his staff seems to be pretty responsive.
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And yes, it does appear that Gaboda's campaign plan is to kiss the rear ends of bloggers and editors of the JG. I don't think it's working, though -- read Frank Schultz's article about Gaboda's inane "district walk."
Feb 26, 2010 at 12:41 p.m.
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"You should probably do a little research and take a history lesson if you think Herb Kohls only accomplishment is the Bucks."
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Ok, let me look........Sorry, can't find the groundbreaking legislation he has championed. At least Feingold has his campaign finance stuff while Kohl seems to have sat there and voted "yes" whenever any Democrat bill is presented.
Now lets take a quick history lesson.......Here we go! he personaly sold the place settings and centerpieces to the pilgrims at the first thanksgiving! I take it all back, what a highly accomplished individual.
Feb 26, 2010 at 11:37 a.m.
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Fool: My responses from Paul Ryan are long and detailed, but not agreeing with him, don't represent me or my concerns.
Feb 26, 2010 at 6:52 a.m.
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That's right RAF. Kohl's office doesn't even fire back an automated e-mail acknowledgment of receipt. But, to be fair, Kohl and Feingold represent the State of Wisconsin not its people. Technically, Ryan represents us and, in my experience, he gets an A+ for thoughtful, relevant responses to thoughtfully written inquiries.
Feb 26, 2010 at 12:58 a.m.
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Glad to hear Kohl met with you and talked about our area. To date he is the only politician that has never responded, even a simple standard office form from the staff, to any of my questions or concerns. To Feingold's credit even on topics we are on different sides of the world on he, or someone from his staff, has always responded.
Feb 25, 2010 at 10:06 p.m.
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Hey, Steve, Thank you for representing Janesville and our credit union in DC. It sounds like you didn't let the hallowed marble entomb your cause. Welcome home. Ms. Wicket
Feb 25, 2010 at 8:19 p.m.
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I finally read this story and blog. Steve, run for state assembly.
Feb 25, 2010 at 7:33 p.m.
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I'm surprised you got so much time with our Senators. I would assume that an average meeting would last about as long as yours did with Congressman Ryan, so it's pretty impressive that you got so much time.
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Not to be off topic, but whenever I read these blogs, Matt_Gaboda has managed to leave a flattering comment completely sucking up to the blogger. Is that part of his campaign plan?
Feb 25, 2010 at 7:04 p.m.
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Two out of three ain't bad!
Feb 25, 2010 at 5:26 p.m.
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Spark - You went off topic. Had to bad mouth the Governor and the President. Stick to Ryan, Feingold, and Kohl. I find many of my friends arguing pro-Right seem to swing away from criticism.
Feb 25, 2010 at 3:18 p.m.
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Thanks for sharing your week!
After your Mug blog I cant help wondering what subject you are on at any given time I was surprised with this subject and really appreciate your efforts.
Ryan understands the numbers, his understanding of the issues change according to those numbers. He stopped listening long ago.
I used to be like you, now I am convinced the little people can change just that, little.
No advice for your passion, But I am glad you have the energy to get into it. There is always hope.
So I will be watching... and ready to back you up should the need arise.
Nice Job!
Feb 25, 2010 at 1:09 p.m.
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BunBun - You should probably do a little research and take a history lesson if you think Herb Kohls only accomplishment is the Bucks.
Feb 25, 2010 at 12:54 p.m.
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Hey BunBun ever hear of Kohls Department Stores? That has been a pretty successful venture.
Feb 25, 2010 at 12:31 p.m.
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"don't get sen Kohl started on the Bucks"...
that is because he does nothing in DC and has only the Bucks as any kind of accomplishment.
Feb 25, 2010 at 10:04 a.m.
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"I'm just a volunteer looking for the best solution to help my community."
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Here is a solution for you:
LESS GOVERNMENT..............PERIOD.
Those 3 mentioned care only about their agenda and careers.
Feb 25, 2010 at 10:01 a.m.
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Go have a meeting with Doyle and Obama and you will see how screwed up people are. Those are the only two you should be concerned about.
Feb 25, 2010 at 7:49 a.m.
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Steve could run for the 44th district, but he lives in Benedict's district.
Feb 25, 2010 at 6:20 a.m.
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Steve. As far as I'm concerned, this was your best blog ever. You're living the dream. Thank you for trying to make this area a better place, while doing it for free!
As far as what to do with your passion. The proper title is: District 44 Representative to the Assembly. Go for it. You could do many different things, but by being Janesville's Representative, you could do the most. The contrast between you and Sheridan is night and day. I think the good people of Janesville would recognize your sincerity and true dedication in a heartbeat.
It is a tough decision, but the easiest one you will ever make. Either way, thanks for being one of the good guys. I wish you nothing but success in your passion venture.
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