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Staff Snapshots | Mark Brainard Jr.

March 7, 2023

Hometown: Newark, Del.

Role: Policy and Research Analyst, Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee, Delaware General Assembly

Years of legislative service: Eight

NCSL connection: Brainard is a graduate of the Legislative Staff Management Institute.

“‘An immediate response to a problem is not necessarily the best one.’ Sometimes, it’s better to sit with an issue and give yourself time to map out a path forward.”

Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?

Growing up, my father worked in the Delaware Legislature, as did my grandmother. Take Your Child to Work Day meant spending the day in the House or Senate chambers, watching floor debates and roll calls. There was never a dull moment! I saw firsthand how most elected officials worked hard for the collective good and I wanted to be a part of it.

What skill or talent are you most proud of?

A legislator once said to me, “You have a high emotional intelligence.” I put a great deal of effort into remaining self-aware, empathizing with others and ensuring my method of communicating matches the audience. It takes time and energy but is vital in a legislative environment.

Who or what inspires you?

My family. My parents and sister lead with love and devotion. My grandmother, aunts and uncles have lived their lives in service of family and community. My fiance inspires me with the kindness and loyalty he shows to everyone in his life.

What’s one thing you love about your state?

Its size. With less than a million people, Delawareans have a level of accessibility to their elected officials unheard of in other states. This increased accountability often leads to legislators trying to find common ground. Compromise is not a dirty word in Delaware and if you watch our floor debates, you’ll see very public disagreements often conducted with a great deal of mutual respect.

What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?

A musical called “Hadestown,” currently on Broadway and touring the country. It retells the Greek myths of Orpheus/Eurydice and Hades/Persephone through an American lens. Using folk, gospel and jazz music, “Hadestown” shows us what our world could be, drawing parallels between these mythical characters and American society.

These email responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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

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