Life as a State Representative
I spend more than half of my week at 23rd and Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City, and whenever I make it home, lots of folks always ask me what it’s like to be a state representative.
In short, it is intense work. Things move at a frenetic pace at the Capitol. There are an unbelievable number of phone calls, emails, meetings, receptions and dinners. When I’m not researching bills and voting on legislation, I’m often hosting guests in my office, talking to constituents or discussing proposed bills and amendments with colleagues. The workload makes the days fly by and I’m often just as busy after I walk out of the Capitol doors in the evenings.
In fact, some of the most important groundwork for my role as a lawmaker comes after traditional work hours. Much of the success as a representative depends on the relationships one has with his colleagues, so it’s been important to me to meet up with my fellow representatives outside of our offices. Those relationships really matter when votes on important bills come up or issues dealing with our district arise, and I will take any help I can get when it comes to making House District 50 better.
The work you elected me to do is very gratifying. I’ve made many friends throughout this process, but far and away, the best part of my week comes when I get to drive back home. Being away from my family is hard, but I signed up for this, and my family is fully supportive. My weeks can be stressful, but I’m always rejuvenated after spending time with those I love most. I cannot thank my wife and kids enough for being my biggest cheerleaders throughout this process. I could not do it without them.
At the end of the day, the most gratifying part of my job is helping you, my constituents. People call my office weekly about problems or concerns they have with our government, and I’m humbled and honored to help navigate the complicated maze that is this bureaucracy. If you have an issue you think I should know about, call my office at (405) 557- 7327 or email me at Marcus.McEntire@okhouse.gov.