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Staff Snapshots | John McCullough

  • Hometown: I was born in Dallas, Texas, but lived in St. Paul, Minn., for a long time. Now, I live in Pierre, S.D.
  • Role: Director of the South Dakota Legislative Research Council
  • Years of legislative service: 16

“Legislative work is inherently historical. The legislative record tells a story of what is valued at a particular point in time and in a particular place.”

John McCullough South Dakota
McCullough

Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?

My first interest before law was history. Legislative work is inherently historical. The legislative record tells a story of what is valued at a particular point in time and in a particular place.

What skill or talent are you most proud of?

I appreciate the challenge of trying to see the whole, rather than individual parts, when complexities arise in legislative work. It’s easy to get tripped up on any of the little things that come your way. Having the long view and finding the narrow path through complex situations is something I find satisfying.

What’s the best advice you were ever given?

One idea that has helped me recently is a quote from (author) James Clear: “The ultimate form of preparation is not planning for a specific scenario, but a mindset that can handle uncertainty.” I think most nonpartisan legislative staff can appreciate that, for any given session day, one will likely be presented with a question of first impression that may or may not have a definite answer.

Who or what inspires you?

My wife and kids inspire me with their creativity and artistic leanings. They help me to see my professional work as an opportunity to be creative.

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

Two things: The Black Hills and the National Grasslands.

What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?

My colleague in the LRC introduced me to Frederick Manfred, a writer who lived in western Minnesota, was a writer-in-residence at the University of South Dakota, and wrote novels set in the American West, including parts of South Dakota. I’ve been reading his novels recently. I think his stories are great, and I appreciate how he writes.

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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