Much of North Carolina is under a sheet of ice after Monday’s weather, and Senator Jeff Jackson has been having fun, being the only person who made it into the office this morning — at least, according to his tweets. For much of Tuesday, Senator Jackson tweeted about being the only legislator in the building, and the things he’d pass if he could legislate with everyone else out.
It started with a post Monday night, showing how empty the building was — very much in tune with the usual jokes about southern states “shutting down” over a few snowflakes.
The #NCGA the night before an ice storm. Very quiet in this building… pic.twitter.com/VUOwpSLwFX
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
On Tuesday morning, though, Senator Jackson began to notice that the building still seemed pretty empty.
No problem getting a great parking space this morning… #ncga
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
He began to tweet the things he’d do as a one-man legislating “team.”
I think I’m the only legislator in the building. Let me take care of a few things. Medicaid = expanded. Teachers = paid. Film = jobs. #NCGA
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
Independent redistricting ? Invest heavily in wind and solar ? Support early childhood education ? NC is suddenly a national model. #ncga
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
Went ahead and got rid of puppy mills. Not sure why that took so long… #JustOneLegislator #Snowday #ncga
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
BREAKING: Politicians don’t get to draw their own political districts anymore. Let’s see how fair elections work. #JustOneLegislator
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
Our jails are filled with the mentally ill and chemically addicted. Just expanded mental health care for them. #JustOneLegislator #snowday
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
Jackson’s posts began to go viral, shared by thousands from his Twitter and his Facebook page , and it seems some lobbyists noticed and became alarmed.
Am now receiving lots of calls from actual lobbyists. Even the false appearance of power gets their attention. #JustOneLegislator #ncga
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) February 17, 2015
Meanwhile, Jackson’s social media pages began to be flooded with approving messages.
“You, Sir, are FANTASTIC. Please tell me when you’re running for an office I can vote you into – you represent many of us! Keep up the good work!”
“We need more politicians like you in the world!”
We’re not sure if Senator Jeff Jackson got any actual work done today, but he certainly got the attention of his constituents, made the best of bad weather, and got some laughs.
[Photo: Senator Jeff Jackson ]
