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MANAGING AT THE 'FRONT LINE': Legislative assistant balances many tasks

March 10, 2003

By:Cheryl Mattix - The Cecil Whig

Of course, when the lawmakers are not in session, her commute is much quicker. It's just down the road apiece to Rudolph's district office in Rising Sun where she works Monday through Thursday the rest of the year.

"It can be extremely rewarding at times, as well as frustrating," Winer said.

She started her work relationship with Rudolph when he asked her to work on his first campaign. "It was good timing for me because I wasn't working when he decided to run for office and it has just continued ever since."

On a personal level, the Winers and the Rudolphs attend the same church. At one time, Eileen worked at the same school as Dave's wife, Diana, and one of her daughters and Rudolph's son have been friends for years.

"It's most rewarding when we can help constituents," Winer said, recalling a memorable experience from a few years ago when they helped a Port Deposit man named Bill Defreitas.

"He was having a problem getting access to public places for dogs he trains to help the disabled or elderly with everyday tasks," she said. At that time, the law gave assist dogs access to public places, but not while they were in training.

House Bill 801 called for equal access for guide dog trainers to public accommodations. "These dogs open doors and can even pick up clothes and put them in the laundry," she said. "They are quite amazing."

The bill passed. Defreitas, along with three assist dogs, attended the signing ceremony. "It was great at the bill signing, one of the dogs licked (former Speaker of the House) Cas Taylor's ear," she said. "We've got that picture hanging in the District Office in Rising Sun."

Meanwhile, Winer keeps the ball rolling in Rudolph's office every day. She handles all his correspondence, including e-mails, letters and phone messages. But, by far, the most difficult task during a session is trying to manage his schedule.

"It's a moving target," she said, "because I never know how long the session will last or how long his committee meeting will last, so trying to schedule appointments becomes a real challenge."

Delegate scholarships, bill research and constituent case work take up major chunks of each week's work.

But, none of her work gets by Rudolph unnoticed.

"She's an integral part of our efforts to serve the citizens of Cecil County," Rudolph said.

"Having a legislative assistant who is from the district and has had children that went to the schools and knows the needs of Cecil County is a tremendous asset," he said, acknowledging that she is somewhat unique in Annapolis. Many of the staffers who work for state senators and delegates live in or near Annapolis and are not always from their representative's home district.

Rudolph refers to her as his "front line" person and one that not only understands Cecil County, but also understands Annapolis. His highest priority is constituent service and he believes he has the right person helping him.

Winer and her husband, Bill, are parents of Rebecca, 24, a graduate of the University of Maryland; Emily, a sophomore at Bucknell University and Abby, 17, a senior at Rising Sun High School.

With the last of her athletic daughters heading toward high school graduation, Winer is already worried about filling that void of what to do when there are no more games to go to. She's been an avid supporter of Rising Sun High School's field hockey, track and basketball programs that Abby has been involved in.

She's even donned the school's "Tigger" suit and led cheers. The last time was in the fall at the state tournament at Goucher College in Towson. She tries to time her departure from Annapolis so that she won't miss any games.

But, Winer will be the first to admit she thinks her job is a real privilege. "When I drive down Rowe Boulevard every morning and the State Capitol comes into view, I try to remind myself that this is truly an honor to work here and to work for David."

"And," she said, "He's not always easy. He's hard-working and keeps me busy."

©Cecil Whig 2003

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