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Staff Snapshots | Larry Gunter Jr.

  • Hometown: Columbus, Ohio; born and raised in Roanoke, Va.
  • Role: Research analyst for the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, Transportation and Public Safety Committee
  • Years of legislative service: Three and a half

“The legislation I draft affects roads, highways, airports, railroads and so much more. I often see the fruits of this legislation in the real world.”

Larry Gunter Ohio
Gunter

Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?

I appreciate the challenges in transportation and public safety legislation. The legislation I draft affects roads, highways, airports, railroads and so much more. As a result, I often see the fruits of this legislation in the real world. Moreover, federal agencies and programs commonly fund transportation and public safety projects. Therefore, I can use my license to the D.C. Bar Association to bring federal resources and connections to my work in the great state of Ohio. My labor in this subject matter is why I choose to work at the Legislature.

What skill or talent are you most proud of?

A skill that I am most proud of is my ability to read people. I easily spot and interpret nonverbal communication. I am very good at telling if someone is having a bad day or if someone just needs some positive uplifting. I can tell if a person has further questions that they are afraid to ask or if a person doesn’t quite understand the way I explain a bill or amendment. I prefer in-person meetings due to this skill.

For example, if I suggested an idea and someone told me that it was a good idea, but the person’s body language suggested otherwise, I then would follow up with a soft question such as, “Why would someone think it’s a bad idea?” This allows the person to share their distaste without feeling as though their critique is offensive.

What’s the best advice you were ever given?

I grew up with a very wise uncle. However, his relationship with my family was fraught with controversy. It is true, he did illegal things; however, his wisdom remains salient.

  • On the living in the present: “I live my life a quarter mile at a time. (During that time) nothing else matters.”
  • On politics: “Thing about street fights … the streets always win.”
  • On forgiveness and debt: “You are in my good graces, but you ain’t keepin’ your car.”
  • On social responsibility: “Because you were the first out of everybody to reach in to get the chicken, you say grace.”
  • On relationships and public appropriateness: “Yo, Einstein, take it upstairs! You can’t detail a car with the cover on.”
  • On consumer loyalty: “You can have any brew you want … as long as it’s a Corona.”
  • On the Code of Hammurabi: “You break her heart, I’ll break your neck.”
  • On family: “You don’t turn your back on family … there’s always room for family.”

I’ve since lost touch with Uncle Dom. But I know if I ever needed him, he would come to my aid quickly and fiercely.

Who or what inspires you?

Think of the most heartbreaking story imaginable. Maybe, it’s a story from a popular book. Perhaps, it’s a movie that moved you. Most of us can recall a personal story that affected us deeply. I am inspired by heartbreak. Heartbreak, in its truest form, is just a sense of emotional justice that is innate to all people. Strangely enough, only when the heart is broken, can it become whole. And perhaps that’s exactly why heartbreak is necessary. Perhaps that is why it is so inspirational.

What’s one thing you love about your state or territory?

One thing I love about the state of Ohio is its constant investment in transportation improvements. Here are some examples:

  • Honda partnered with the Ohio Department of Transportation to study Advance Driver Assistive Systems, which would use technology within vehicles to collect information on roadway conditions and report it to ODOT. Such an application would allow the department to repair roadway hazards such as potholes, defective guardrails and deteriorated lane markings quickly and more efficiently.
  • NASA’s University Leadership Initiative awarded $6 million to our own Ohio University (among other prestigious educational institutions) to advance autonomous aircraft and navigation that would support aircraft operations.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $42 million award to the Central Ohio Transit Authority to develop a Bus Rapid Transit corridor that would help alleviate congestion and transport people more efficiently.

These examples show how Ohio is consistently researching and developing quality-of-life improvements. As a result, I experience new legislative challenges frequently, which keeps my work exciting and fresh. It is this constant striving for excellence that makes me proud of Ohio.

What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?

I am currently reading the book “Think Again,” by Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and Wharton’s top-rated professor. His books often address human thought processes in their various intricacies. “Think Again” champions the argument that the ability to revisit and unlearn preconceived thoughts about life is a separate cognitive ability in its own right. Grant argues that we become limited in our ability to assess and understand the opinions of others if we cannot challenge our thoughts.

I am currently listening to “Falling or Flying,” by Jorja Smith, an English artist whose music is predominately modern R&B with undertones of reggae and hip-hop. “Falling or Flying” is a smooth listen for those who appreciate a little soul draped with Smith’s lush vocal performances as she reminisces on life, love and all things in between.

I am currently watching “Abbott Elementary” on Hulu. Written by the brilliant Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” is a comedic take on the elementary school environment in Philadelphia, Pa. The cast is littered with eclectic characters who all have their special reason why they will become your favorite people. Quite honestly, I’m not sure if they are acting because they all play their roles with such believability. The show consists of very lighthearted themes and hilarious schemes that will keep your abdominal muscles engaged for all three seasons.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.

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