Skip to main content

Staff Snapshots | Lindsay Pealer

May 16, 2023
  • Hometown: Elkhart, Ind. (now Olivehurst, Calif.)
  • Role: Supervising librarian in California’s Office of Legislative Counsel
  • Years of legislative service: Eight and a half

“I am very inspired by today’s youth. I feel like they have so many more worries than I did, yet they have more resilience. The rate of gun violence against youth has increased at such an alarming rate that I have deep concerns about how this is affecting the mental health of our youth in the long term.”

lindsay pealer californiaWhy did you choose to work at the Legislature?

Prior to working at the Legislature, I worked for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which was very rewarding but also had its challenges. After a few years of serving CDCR, I decided to look for a new way to apply my talents and education. Serendipitously, I saw the posting for my current job and took a chance on applying. The rest is history. I really enjoy what I do.

What skill or talent are you most proud of?

I’ve been with the OLC for over eight years. During this time I have become very familiar with the resources that are necessary to write and edit legislation. I am very proud of the research collections that my staff and I have built up over time, but also that I can expedite requests quickly and effectively. I really enjoy being able to assist the attorneys that I work with to be better informed about the material that they are working on for our Legislature.

What’s the best advice you were ever given?

Ask for forgiveness, not permission. I’ve gotten my hand slapped a few times over the years, but for the most part I’ve trusted my gut and made decisions for the library that have been in the best interest of our staff, the Legislature and our constituents.

What’s one thing you love about your state?

I am a foodie, so California is definitely the best state to be in. Our food is very fresh because we are the farm-to-fork capital of the world. Although I live in a very rural area of the state, I have access to so many different types of foods and restaurants, including a Thai specialty store within a mile. Our access to different ingredients and tastes reflects the wonderful diversity found in California. We truly are the “land of milk and honey.”

What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?

I am currently reading “Still Just a Geek,” by Wil Wheaton. I’m listening to Lindsey Stirling—she is an incredible violinist. And I really enjoy the humor on “Ted Lasso.” No matter what, that show always puts a smile on my face.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. Use the email icon above to suggest a staffer for this series.

Loading
  • Contact NCSL

  • For more information on this topic, use this form to reach NCSL staff.