Would you apply for this job? Here's the job description:
Duties:
* Listen to every crackpot voter's issue.
* Come up with a solution that will satisfy them fully, be hailed as Solomon-esque in wisdom, and stand the test of time. Forever.
* Said solution must not infringe on any other of the state's 27-million voters' desires.
* Solution must not cost the state treasury any more money. Heck, make it cheaper.
* Reply quickly (preferably within 2 business days) to voter.
* Job performance review will be every 2 years - benchmarks are completely capricious. Bosses (voters) are immune to logic but partial to pork dollars. Unless a Tea Party revolt breaks out.
Hours:
* Every calendar day. All 24 hours.
* Every other year, stop whatever you're doing to meet in Austin for 5 months. Childcare? Your problem. Regular job? Your problem. Spouse? Your problem.
* Extended 30-day meetings may be needed if other department head (aka the Governor) decides you've not been doing enough to solve his issues.
Pay:
* $600 a month when not in Austin. Not negotiable - locked up in state constitution.
* $75 per diem to pay for your food, housing, laundry, and transportation during 5-month meetings. Strip club cover fees strictly excluded.
At the risk of being deemed a parrot to Edward's review, Representative Hochberg is truly one of the good guys in our much-maligned Texas House of Representatives (T.H.O.R.).
All that being said, Scott Hochberg is a true policy wonk: he has become quite the humble expert on school education and finance as well as keeping close to his voters in his district. Easily reached by phone or email, he and his small staff aren't shy to talk about whatever issue you want - without an ounce of condescension.
One could argue that only those who are gluttons for punishment would do this thankless job. Or, it does take a special passion for public service. I'll choose to think the latter.
Disclaimer: In the land before time, I was an intern in his Capitol office for a semester. There's an old saying about two things you don't want to see being made: sausage and laws. This is true and I was horribly repulsed in the first 2 weeks I was there. But, the upchuck reflex passed as time went on. read more