此内容暂无简体中文译文，以下为英文原文。
Historical November–December 2010 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
It has been just one year since I was elected to represent the 4th District in the Missouri Senate. People often ask about some of the adjustments that I have had to make and my thoughts of my first session of the General Assembly.
The Senate convenes on Monday afternoon and recesses on Thursday afternoon from the beginning of January through the middle of May.
I stay in Jefferson City on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I’m usually home in time for dinner on Thursday. Walking into the Senate chamber is truly an experience. Not only is the chamber beautiful, but you can feel the decorum and protocol.
There are many unwritten rules in the Senate. Rules pertaining to where you are allowed to walk, how you address fellow senators (no names allowed), and what items you can bring to your desk are just a few rules that you have to learn quickly. Infractions are addressed by a loud bang of the gavel by the President and a short admonishment. Needless to say, as the newest member, I have been on the receiving end of the gavel more than once and my colleagues seem to enjoy my misfortune.
As the session progressed, I quickly learned how to avoid being the center of attention!
The pace of divergent issues is probably the most surprising aspect of serving.
I usually arrive in the Capital before 8:00 am and rarely leave until well past dinner.
There are usually several groups of people waiting in my office to speak with me about a myriad of issues. Discussing their issues, working on my own legislation, attending committee hearings and the normal session make for full days.
In the 2011 session you can expect me to file the bill to bring the City of St. Louis local control of the St. Louis Police Department, to raise the seatbelt fine from $10.00 to $50.00, and to lower the mandatory age for Kindergarten from 7 years old to 5 years old.
I filed each of these bills last session, had committee hearings, and continue to work to address any issues that were raised.
My first year of service does not apply to my term limit.
I filled the partial term of my predecessor.
I am up for re-election on Nov. 2 to start my own four year term.
I look forward to representing the 4th District for another four years.
It is an honor that I do not take lightly.
Original photograph caption
State Senator Joe Keaveny. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2010.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Headline prints Keaveney; first-person writer is named senator Joe Keaveny as established elsewhere; verify profile mapping, retain headline.
Original source: SD_Times2010_11.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
