Editor’s Note: Senior Political
Correspondent Chris Reyes (left) interviewed the Chief of Staff of Congressman Bill
Pascrell, our representative in Congress, in October, shortly before the
election. Since then, we re-elected Mr. Pascrell, and sent him and his right
hand man, Ben Rich, back to Washington.
Interesting bit of trivia: This
up-and-coming political operative is the son of a SET teacher. Guess who?
I recently got the opportunity to interview Congressman Bill
Pascrell’s Chief of Staff, Ben Rich, and I had a lot to ask him. Mr. Rich
graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and majored in
political science. He grew up in New Jersey where he developed his interest in
politics while interning for Congressman Pascrell.
I asked
him what advice he would give to someone who wants to go down the same career
path. He said, “See what area you would want to work in. Try different
internships. Don’t be afraid to try different careers. Always work hard and
never say no.”
What is
a Chief of Staff, anyway? He said a Chief of Staff is “someone who works closely
with the congressman and makes sure everything is set up and reaches high
expectations.” His first impression of Bill Pascrell was that he is the type of
guy he hopes all congressman could be. He cares about the people of New Jersey
and tries his best to help them in every way.
 |
| President Barack Obama and Congressional Chief of Staff Ben Rich. |
Mr.
Rich’s main goal is to get Bill Pascrell reelected because he is doing a
brilliant job and should continue. They lost several towns but regained others
in the Bergen county area. I asked him his thoughts on The Presidential
Election; he believes Obama had several rough years and if he isn’t reelected
it would be detrimental. His job is very exciting but can get very tough
especially when Congress is in session and a gridlock takes place (when both
parties cannot reach an agreement.) I asked him if he could change anything in
Congress what would it be? He would change gridlock from happening because the
issues cannot be solved.
“Congress
is well planned but you cannot account for the congressman’s actions during a
session,” said Mr. Rich.
Mr.
Rich is happy to be a part of Bill Pascrell’s staff and wouldn’t have it any
other way. When former president Bill Clinton spoke on behalf of Congressman
Pascrell right here in our school, Mr. Rich said it was fantastic for the
Pascrell campaign, and for New Jersey. Mr. Rich is thankful for his mother who
taught him the importance of public service. She inspired him to fight for what
to believe in and for those who need the help that is owed to them.
The next time Congress
is in session will be what they call a “lame-duck session” which is what they
call the time between the election and when new people start in January. There
will be a lot of hopes of actually getting something done.
