Never give up!
That's been my rallying cry the last two years when it comes to trying to get an appointment to see my New York Assemblyman. Persistence works.
Our first attempts to meet with Assemblyman Michael Cusick were met with much resistance on the part of his staff. My mentor and trainer, Mary Ellen Probanski, tried tirelessly to secure a meeting with this man for several years before I came on board.
But a chance encounter with his staff at the Richmond County Fair changed everything.
It was the first day of the fair. As the vendors were setting up their booths, I chanced upon Michael Cusick's crew attempting to assemble a basketball hoop.
Since I never leave home without my multi-tool, I offered my assistance! Matt, his primary aide at his Staten Island Office, was very thankful for the offer and the help.
We attempted several times to put the hoop up, but two of the poles were stuck together and no amount of pulling was going to loosen them. So I offered again to help by finding the maintenance man. That did the trick!
When Michael Cusick showed up that day, his aide introduced me to him as the person who "saved the day" for his booth. I immediately took the opportunity to introduce myself and share Convention of States, which he immediately recognized.
He asked if it would be possible to have a sit down. He was very enthusiastic about the meeting, even reminding me on the final day of the fair to call his office for an appointment!
Well, I did just that, calling several times and speaking with Matt about a meeting. He also was enthusiastic about Convention of States, but the scheduler at Michael's office was not. Time and again I was told to either call back or email so he could get us on the calendar. Nothing.
Fortunately, our State Director Lawrence Hozapfel called Matt and again asked if we could come in for a meeting. This time, the scheduler relented, and gave us October 30 as a good day to sit down with Michael!
So here we are, patiently awaiting our meeting with Michael Cusick to further the Convention of States cause! We look forward to enlightening Assemblyman Cusick and other Staten Island officials about COS with hopes that they will join our cause and sponsor our resolutions.
Persistence works!
