- Hometown: Gananoque, Ontario, Canada
- Role: Chief research and legal analyst for the South Dakota Legislative Research Council
- Years of legislative service: 40
“I wanted to write the law so that those who were impacted by it and those who had to administer it could read and understand it the same way.”
Thomas
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I always had the proverbial love for the law, but I never had the calling to argue about how the law ought to be interpreted. Instead, I wanted to write the law so that those who were impacted by it and those who had to administer it could read and understand it the same way.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I believe that words matter. I believe that the English language is quite capable of being used precisely. What’s often missing is not an individual’s ability to select the best words, arrange them logically, and articulate a concept in a clear and comprehensible manner, but the patience and perseverance to do so. Each day, we create art. Some days, it just takes longer.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
“You’re the attorney; you decide.” When I was still very new to the profession, I would find myself waffling over how best to approach and articulate a legislative concept. My inclination was to go to my supervisor for his thoughts and blessing. With those few words, and a look I will never forget, he conveyed that it was my responsibility to research the topic until I could competently and confidently advise the legislator and produce a product that allowed the legislator to achieve his or her stated intent.
Who or what inspires you?
My parents. They were the typical immigrant story—right off the boat, with mere pennies in their pocket. They stepped onto a foreign shore without the ability to read or write the English language or to understand the culture of their new land. But they believed in two things: the power of a good education and the rewards of hard work.
What’s one thing you love about your state or territory?
While there is so much to love about the state of South Dakota, the one thing that rises above all else is the people. They are warm, welcoming, outgoing and good-natured, and from the first day I set foot in the state, they made me feel like family.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a legislative staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.