Yesterday I had an interesting experience that demonstrated to me how we politicos on the Hill are seen by the average citizen.
I had left the Capitol for a meeting downtown and was returning during the lunch break. I dashed into the cafeteria in the East Bldg. and grabbed a wrap and bag of chips to carry to the lunchtime coalition meeting I needed to attend. Because of the timing of my meeting, I was almost an hour late for the coalition, so I was in a hurry. I exited the cafeteria doors, headed for the revolving door to get me onto the plaza, when I noticed an elderly couple standing tentatively near the doors and watching all the people zooming through the doors. Just as my mind registered the fact that maybe they needed help, the gentleman moved to stop me. He politely inquired if I could help them. I responded, “Of course”, and asked what they needed. Turns out they had come to the Hill for a public tour of the Capitol and had no idea where to go. I explained that they were in the wrong building and gave them directions on how to find the tour guides in the Capitol. They were so appreciative and told me they were glad that they had decided to stop me and ask for help.
I smiled and told them “No problem”, but as I raced across the plaza, I wondered how long they had been standing there hoping for help. I replayed in my mind the busy advocates and lobbyists running back and forth and realized that we are an intimidating group. Did they stop me because I was wearing a Utah PTA badge or had a friendly face? I hope it was because of both. I hope I looked friendly and not distracted, and I hope my badge made me seem non-threatening.
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