Newly-elected State Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena) has been chosen as the freshman caucus leader, months away from the 2023 legislative session.
Hulsey will be replacing State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne), who took the position in January.
Hulsey won the seat for House District 15 in November after the Republican incumbent, Allen Farley, announced he would not be running for reelection.
House District 15 includes parts of Hoover, Helena, McCalla and Bessemer.
In an interview with Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show" on Tuesday, Hulsey detailed her plans as a freshman legislator.
“To me, this is one of those opportunities where the Lord will, in larger territory, he’ll put you in a new room; he’ll put you in a new space to allow you to have influence in that space,” Hulsey said. “I’m excited to be able to do that.”
With her new position, Hulsey will assist in leading her fellow freshman class as they transition to their respective offices and begin working in the State House.
“While I’ve spent several weeks getting to know my fellow classmates, it’s time for me now to dive in a little deeper and learn what’s important to them specifically in their area and [with] their constituents,” Hulsey said.
“[I] think it's always wise to come into something and watch and listen,” she added. “You learn a lot by watching rooms, listening to things that are being stated in those rooms, and developing a relationship with as many people as you can, if not all of them. But I think, when you come into this, we are extremely excited; we are very motivated to serve those that picked us to serve them. And I think, ultimately, what I am seeing, is a lot of like-minded thought processing between our freshman class.”
Hulsey continued, “For me, there’s going to be some learning; taking some time to get to know them individually, as I mentioned, and seeing how I can help them with those things, whatever that ends up looking like. I mean, we’re all new to this, so I’ll have a bit of a learning curve myself. But, ultimately, I just commit to learning, being effective, growing and taking constructive feedback so that I am really effective and most effective for them.”
Hulsey served for over 14 years as a member of the Helena City Council, which she believes will help her effectively deal with municipal legislation. She is also passionate about addressing the issues with roads, which have been a contentious subject in her district for years.
“Most likely, things that are going to come most naturally for me are going to be your local legislation pieces, just having spent so much time there,” Hulsey continued. “But also even county elements because we work so closely with the county. We actually, at the municipal level, work a lot closer with municipal government than we do the state. Although we do work with the state, but you see those partnerships more at the county level.
"But, my hope would be transportation. I represent Jefferson and Shelby County, and Shelby has been one of the fastest growing counties in the state for a while, and the infrastructure there is very complicated and needs some improvement."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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