Six terms might sound like a lengthy run in the state legislature, especially with many in this country raising concern toward the election of “career politicians,” but much can be said for seniority within a governing body.
Seniority gives a representative clout in the legislature. Seniority gives one more control over the committees he or she might serve on during their time.
Seniority can play in a district’s favor when issues more directly affecting the area come up for discussion.
And seniority is something of which Trudi Walend, the newly appointed representative for District 113, has in plenty.
Walend was selected to replace outgoing Republican Rep. David Guice by the local Republican Executive Committee. While Walend is only guaranteed to be in the legislature until the end of this year with the seat is up for election in November, she said she hopes to accomplish much in that time.
The important thing for Polk County and District 113 residents to do is to keep their concerns and opinions in Walend’s ear and email inbox.
Representatives are meant to work for the people and so the people must serve their role – as the representative’s boss – to ensure they are being properly represented.
To do your part you can contact Walend at Guice’s old state phone number at 919-715-4466. Walend hopes to soon have a state email address where she can also be reached.

 — Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin