Day 2: Washington, D.C.

Class 43 hit the ground running on a crisp morning in Washington, D.C.  Our first stop was the Capitol Visitor's Center to meet with Congressman John Garamendi (D-California, 3rd) for a breakfast meeting.  Congressman Garamendi talked to the class about the importance of citizens taking time to contemplate the role of government.  He feels that once the citizenry is able to articulate what they want from our government we will be on track to move our nation forward.  The Congressman also took questions from the class regarding issues facing specialty crops in California, regulatory issues that are directly affecting agriculture, and the current debate over the future of water in California.

{Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer}

We moved from the Capitol to the Supreme Court where we had the incredible opportunity to meet with Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.  Justice Breyer spoke to the class about the mechanics of the Supreme Court including a discussion on how the court decides what cases to hear.  At the heart of his talk, however, was the importance of  educating our children about history and civics.  Justice Breyer then took questions from the class that addressed a variety of topics including the role of court decisions on our democracy, the organizational culture of the Supreme Court and how that culture changes with new appointees, and the changing perception of confirmation hearings over the past twenty years.  This meeting was certainly a highlight of the day.  Justice Breyer's passion for the law and American government was certainly felt and his call for involvement in our communities spoke to us all.

We left the court and headed to the Longworth Building where we had lunch in the cafeteria.  It was a wonderful opportunity to take a "sneak peak" at the hustle and bustle that happens on an average workday at the Capitol.  After lunch we ventured up to the main hearing room for the House Agriculture Committee to visit with representatives and staff.  Our first meeting was with Legislative Director/Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Devin Nunes (R-California, 22nd) Damon Nelson.  Mr. Nelson spoke to us about his leadership path into the position he currently holds.  Next we had the opportunity to talk with Congressman David Valadao (R-California, 21st).  Congressman Valadao spoke to us about the need for California agriculture to be at the table with respect to the Farm Bill to ensure that our industry is represented.  In addition, he spoke about his new proposed legislation pertaining to California dairies.  Congressman Jeff Denham (R-California, 10th) joined the class and discussed the controversial high speed rail project, its impact on farmland and his concern about the lack of funds.  He will soon be holding hearings on this subject.

{Congressman Jim Costa and Class 43}

Congressman Jim Costa (D-California, 16th) spoke about how moderates have become an endangered species because so few are left in Congress and how that makes it difficult for the two sides to agree.  On a lighter note, Congressman Costa discovered our classmate, Paul Sousa, is a fellow Portuguese-American and briefly spoke with him in Portuguese before heading out.  Last, Congressman Sam Farr (D-California, 20th) also came by to talk with the class.  Two Class 43 members Shannon Leigh and Danielle Dupree are among his constituents.  Shannon thanked the Congressman for his work in revitalizing Fort Ord (former military base).  Danielle D. raised the issue of immigration and the Congressman agreed that it is an issue that needs to be addressed.  In addition, he talked about work/life balance given that he's spent many years flying back and forth between California and D.C. and has been married for 45 years!

Some fellows of Class 43 had the opportunity to visit the State Department to meet with Mr. Jerry White, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Partnerships and Learning in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization and Operations (CSO).  Mr. White's session was an excellent "real world" example of the leadership lessons we have been learning in our seminars.  He talked about conflict-transforming leadership where the "ultimate goal is to align what we do, why we do it, and who we are - our Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom."  By guiding his field staff to approach their mission to break cycles of violence using the conflict-transforming leadership model above, the CSO is able to mobilize local forces and garner funding through alternative resources to create a solution that is strategic, responsive and results-driven.  At present the CSO is working in more than 20 countries including Syria, Kenya, Honduras, and Burma.  Of the session, fellow Susan Josue commented, "I very much respected Mr. White's passion for his work.  He is clearly committed to his mission and it was wonderful to see our leadership lessons in practice."

{Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein}

The class regrouped and met up at the Hart Senate Office Building to meet with Chris Thompson, Legislative Director for Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California).  Mr. Thompson spoke to the class about his role in the office and the Senator's work for the state of California.  He spoke of the Senator's leadership style and how that creates a positive and productive office, her ability to bridge differences to make effective policy, and promote change and her commitment to California agriculture.  Mr. Thompson also took questions from the class where we spoke on a wide range of topics from immigration to work/life balance.

We ended the day at a dinner with the Leadership Wisconsin group (http://leadershipwisconsin.org).  It was a great opportunity to meet up with fellow leaders to hear about how their organization works.  Reflecting upon the events of the day, Class 43 fellow Eric Genzoli commented, "All of the meetings today were a great example of how our participation in Ag Leadership provides us the opportunity to learn about policymaking in Washington D.C.  I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in this program and this experience is one I will never forget."

Presiding Fellows: Manpreet Bains, Leon Etchepare, and Tricia Geringer