March 14, 2005 (Vol. 1, No. 4)

A Day in the Life of an Albany Intern, Part III

This is the third in a series of articles by political science major Evelyn Maben-Hall, who is enrolled in Lehman's Adult Degree Program. She is currently pursuing a five-month internship at the State Legislative office of Assemblyman Jack Quinn in Albany and will be reporting on her experience for "Lehman E-News."

With orientation week over, it was time to start my internship in Assemblyman Jack Quinn's office. Curious to know more about him, I did some research and found out that he is a 26-year-old Republican moderate who is just beginning his first term in office. His father, who had a distinguished 14-year career as a U.S. Congressman, retired from office in 2004.

I recall Jim Murphy, the Executive Director of the Internship Program, saying that he had given a lot of thought to our assignments, but for the first time I questioned his decision to place me–a middle-aged, non-Republican–with a 26-year-old moderate Republican Assembly member.

I realized very soon that Mr. Murphy had made a wise choice. Party affiliation does not determine one's character. The assemblyman, who asked that I call him Jack, is very affable. He immediately asked me about my interests and goals and wanted to know how he could help me achieve my objectives.

I usually spend my days at the Assembly with Assemblyman Quinn and his Legislative Aide, Brianna Wattie. Because we are all new to the Legislature, we are all in the same boat in terms of learning how the whole legislative system really works.

The Legislative Office Building is filled with constituents and politicians, especially during the first three days of the week. You never know who you may run into in the lobby or on the elevator. I have stood beside Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, ridden the elevator with Assembly Members Herman D. Farrell, Clarence Norman, Ruben Diaz, Keith Wright and many others. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno can often be seen around the building.

The political world is an active world, especially when the budget has not been voted upon.

Many constituent groups have visited our office, including Planned Parenthood, the Displaced Homemakers Association and the National Federation of the Blind. They all come to plead their cause and ask the Assembly members to keep their issues in mind as they vote on particular bills.

Select a Volume Volume 9 (Spring 2009) Volume 8 (Fall 2008) Volume 7 (Spring 2008) Volume 6 (Fall 2007) Volume 5 (Spring 2007) Volume 4 (Fall 2006) Volume 3 (Spring 2006) Volume 2 (Fall 2005) Volume 1 (Spring 2005)