It's Voting Time…Do You Know Where Your Legislator Is?
Decatur Metro | March 11, 2008Paul is good enough to tip me off to an AJC article that lists the most tardy members of the GA House and Senate so far in 2008.
At first glance, two representatives from “Decatur” make the list: Pam Stephenson (#2) and Stephanie Stuckey-Benefield (#6). But as far as I can tell, the AJC incorrectly lists Pam Stephenson as from Decatur. Her website clearly states that she serves Lithonia. (Apparently Lithonia reps have better things to do than vote on bills. Rep. Ron Sailor (missed 211 or 233 votes) and Stephenson “missed nearly half” of votes, ranking 1 and 2 among truant State legislators.)
However, Rep. Stephanie Stuckey-Benefield (who missed 53 votes – 23%) does live locally, right outside of Decatur on Artwood Rd in the no-man’s land that is an Atlanta address in DeKalb County. To her credit, Stuckey-Benefield didn’t duck the article (like the Lithonia reps) and responded to the AJC’s inquiry by explaining that sick kids have been the main reason for her absence so far this year.
But what I found most interesting was this rather fortuitous blurb I ran across from 2002 Georgia Trends “40 Under 40″ article about Stuckey-Benefield that comes off making her sound a bit over-extended…
Stephanie Stuckey-Benefield will probably become the state’s Mother Protector now that she’s juggling child rearing with her work as a family law attorney and state legislator. Think about it: Three years ago — long before she gave birth to her son — she helped pass a law mandating gender equity in school athletics. Since then, she has faced off with county review boards statewide to ensure girls get the funds they need to play the sports they want. “You have to carve out a niche for yourself or else you’ll run yourself ragged and be ineffective,” she says. “She’s a terrific role model,” says law partner Holly Manheimer. “The fact that she can do all the things she does and can still be an awesome friend is great.”
The AJC article makes it sound like Stuckey-Benefield has since given up her practice of the law to be a full-time mother and legislator since the blurb above was written. It would be interesting to know her attendance in prior years.
I don’t claim to be an expert of Stuckey-Benefield’s service to the county (her website has a list of her accomplishments) so if you have additional insight about her work and/or absences, I would love to hear your comments below. Regardless, it’s never good to find your name on this list, which newspapers around the country seem to revisit every few months.
And I certainly am not one to point fingers at people for being over-extended. I excel in that department. Stress and too many commitments…and I don’t even have any kids!
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First, congrats on a great blog. I find that your coverage of Decatur adds to the enjoyment of living here.
I know Stephanie Stuckey personally. I disagree with her on most things politically, but she is a person of high integrity and, when she says she’s missed voted because her kids have been sick, I believe her. She is a very attentive mother.
Also, among her accomplishments is allowing high gravity beers to be served in Georgia. So you have her (in part) to thank for the Belgian bar at the Brick Store. That makes up for a hell of a lot of missed votes.
Thanks for the insight and the nice comment DEM.
I certainly appreciate every sip of Lagunitas that is now shipped into the state.
I have received occasional emails from Rep. Benfield’s office keeping me up to date on issues, and the one time I sent her an email, I got a response within 24 hours. Also, her office hosted sixty third-graders (one of them mine) on a field trip to the capital two weeks ago, and fed them lunch as well. AND when I see her around town, she often has a child in tow.
So, from my admittedly limited perspective, she’s doing just fine.
I’m sure she’s a nice person. I’m sure she’s a great mom. It’s nice that she hosted 60 3rd graders. I’m not sure however that these are good qualifications for being the representative Decatur needs. If being a nice person, great mom, and grade-school nanny is preventing her from performing the duties for which she was elected perhaps she should wait until the kids are grown and let someone who can show up represent us.
I only wish one of her kids had been sick the day she voted yes on S.B. 276, which is going to raise all of our auto insurance rates.
The legislature is only in session for a short portion of the year. Perhaps Mr. Benfield should stay home from work to care for their sick child during the legislative session . Stephanie can handle the sick child care duty during the rest of the year.