Captain's Log - The People Who Make Us

We lost a great man this week. 

Mike McGinness was a good friend. He and Dee and their kids were, somehow, always on the periphery of my life. 

As a child, my dad would take me out to the radio station, which is probably where I  first met them. When I was a senior in high school, I got to do the teacher training class and was assigned to Mrs. Cunnyngham’s class where their son Ryan was a fifth grader.

Mike served on the school board and then was in the Assembly and eventually the State Senate. He ran the local Republican party where, as an adult, I got to know him when I became involved in local politics. He was one of the best models of what a community leader should be – patient, calm, wise, thoughtful, and most of all kind. 

He was the one who told me when I wanted to run to be the Chairman of the local party that I was too young – and then he went on to support me through several years of service in both the women’s club and the central committee. 

When I had an opportunity at the University during my bachelor’s program to intern at the Legislature, of course, Mike took me on. I got to write letters for him, attend floor sessions, and meet with constituents. He protected me from the lobbyists who played the “How many interns can I date” game and introduced me to all the great contacts a budding public servant could want. 

He even helped me change a flat tire in the parking garage after a long day of meetings, he in his legislator suit, taking pity on me in my dress.

To the young, political junkie I was at the time, it was pure heaven. 

Over the years he, like Bob Erickson and Mike Mackedon and Shirley Walker and Rick Lattin and Kenny Tedford, advised me and supported me. Sometimes, they chastised me but were always there—the other people who raised you besides your parents. The proverbial village before “it takes a village” was even cool.

I’ve watched these people over the years and tried to follow in their footsteps the best I could – taking the best from each as I shaped my own life. 

So while I write this morning, remembering a very dear friend, I acknowledge all those who brought me right here so I can continue …

…Keeping you Posted.

Rach