Fun read - Kerry's office staff emulated by Indian MP as the way to get more done

[karynnj]

New Delhi: In June 2009, when he was in Washington, D.C. to meet senator John Kerry, the young parliamentarian Kalikesh Singh Deo made a remarkable observation. Unlike Deo’s frenetic days in India, split between legislative work and countless visitors, Kerry’s schedule was marked by unusual calm.

Just before a meeting, a young girl would quietly step in, brief Kerry on the agenda, and retreat until it was time for another brainstorm. “It was so swift,” Deo, member of Parliament from Bolangir, Orissa, marvels. “There were no conflicting voices, no chaos, which is why I think he was able to hold seven or eight crucial meetings in a day. Is it possible here?”

When Deo returned, the image of the senator’s assistant stayed with him. As he later realized, she wore a crucial but underplayed designation: legislative assistant. Her work included monitoring pending legislation, conducting research, drafting legislation, and giving advice where needed. “That is when I felt what we as MPs (member of Parliament) lack: a solid research support staff to...save time and be more efficient,” Deo recalls.

That realization prompted Deo to start hiring legislative assistants, thus far alien to the Indian legislative system, but now starting to thrive with increasing demand from Indian lawmakers.

http://www.livemint.com/2010/06/29224828/Seeking-interns-in-new-politic.html

In the midst of the anger, confusion and disappointment on various things, this article brought a smile. Nice that a smart young Indian MP sees how productive the Senator is.

[blm]

1. thanks for the smile, k

.

[wisteria]

2. How nice. n/t

[MH1]

3. interesting article

thanks for posting!