As I begin my sixteenth and final legislative session, I find the moment bittersweet. On the one hand, I am extremely excited about the opportunities ahead; on the other hand, I continue to be nervous for our future. Maybe it’s the parent in me, maybe it’s the realist developed by what I’ve witnessed in government or maybe it’s just healthy to be nervous about change. Government service is a difficult venue for “Type A” personalities like myself. We want results quickly and if it doesn’t work, we immediately want to implement changes.

For better or worse, government doesn’t work that way. It’s a much more slow and deliberate process. Many times I warned concerned constituents that it can be good a bill takes so long. Ideas that change our way of life need to be vetted. It seems the quicker government reacts, the more unintended consequences that occur.

Even though I am leaving elected office, I highly encourage involvement. Keeping up with public policy is not a part-time venture; it starts with an election and carries through to the last day in office. There are good people who will run for office. It’s up to each of us to make our state a better place by being informed voters, so take the time to call a candidate or two. Don’t just rely on glossy mailers or robo-calls when you are making a decision as important as who is going to represent you in government.

My thanks to you for a great ride on this rollercoaster. I wouldn’t change one moment of the ups and downs of the legislative process. There will be a few more ups, downs, and twists ahead, but I do see the platform and others waiting for their turn. In the meantime, please let me know if I can be of service and my sincere thanks to you for the opportunity and the trust you bestowed upon me while serving our community in Springfield.

Timothy Schmitz, State Legislator, District 65