The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Kyle W. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Tactics - Take Action: Interview of Local Leader #1
My first interview with a local leader was Mr. Scott Hummel. He has four children and resides in Dewitt Michigan. His professional and work career has consisted of twenty years employment at GM, followed by being elected as Clinton county commissioner and then going on to be a state representative right here in Lansing. He is now considering running for a state senate seat. Scott Hummel has committed his political career to being a voice for conservative Christian values, a stance much needed in Lansing.
Here are a few of the questions that I asked Mr. Hummel in our interview.
Me: Mr. Hummel, after working at GM for 20 years, what motivated you to seek your current and former positions, such as Clinton county commissioner, state rep and now a lobbyist?
Mr. Hummel: Well I decided to take a buy out at GM and I wasn't quite sure what to do after that. I had always loved history and government and some people I knew and respected thought that I should try and run for county commissioner. After I was commissioner, some friends of mine thought I should run for state rep in the coming elections. I wasn't quite sure what I thought about that idea. I prayed and talked to my family about it and we decided it was something I should go for. When I did decide to try and run for state rep there where many times during the process when I thought, Oh no, what have I got myself and my family into? However during my time as a state rep God did some Great things in my life. My reason for what I have done has been because of my interests and because that's where God has led me.
Me: What training do you think is important to prepare you for your position?
Mr. Hummel: People skills and listening skills are very important. One of the most important things you can do is to listen to other people and their opinions and stances and proceed from there. Also being a people person. You have to love talking to and listening to and working with other people. Public speaking and working on just being friendly is important preparation for a job like a state rep. I loved to just get out and talk to people in the community about things they were concerned about or pleased about, really just to hear their opinions. Those people appreciated that because I was no longer just a politician in Lansing, I was a real guy who was concerned about their concerns. Being friendly and wanting to listen to someone will go a long way in gaining a persons respect.
Me: What are some of the biggest rewards of your job?
Mr. Hummel: Probably the two biggest rewards of my job were when we passed legislation that I knew was biblical and would make a positive impact on the state, and also the platform and opportunity God had given me to make an impact for Him through politics. I have gained a lot of different representatives' respect up in Lansing. When people respect you they will be much more likely to listen to you. This has enabled me to be a bright light for Christ not just among the representatives but also in the community.
Me: what are the biggest challenges?
Mr. Hummel:Listening to what others have to say and trying to come up with a solution even when you disagree with them. Democrats because their thinking is so much different. Also watching legislation pass that I disagree with is very hard because you want to pass laws that are going to help the state, not hurt it.
Me: What role, if any, does your faith play in your profession?
Mr. Hummel: My faith in the Lord constantly has an impact on what I do. It determines what kind of legislation I will work for and against. I have also been able to use my faith to impact others for Christ. My belief in the Lord and what the Word of God says is my number one source of wisdom and where I look to when I have hard decisions to make for my job as a representative.
