i roll my eyes

from our local paper ... yikes ... sounds impressive, and to think he was our local mayor ...

Mayes meets Ottawa
Feb 10 2006

Okanagan-Shuswap's new MP isn't wasting any time getting down to business.

Colin Mayes was planning to attend his first meeting of the Conservative government caucus Tuesday.

"It's been somewhat overwhelming," said Mayes of the learning experience since arriving in Ottawa. The highlight was walking into the House of Commons for the first time.

"It was pretty awesome. It's so elegant and regal," he said. "There's so much great heritage there and to see all of the paintings of the prime ministers is overwhelming."

On Feb. 2, rookie MPs went through an orientation session to become familiar with the Parliament buildings as well as its traditions and procedures. One of the messages hammered home is not to let the job dominate your life.

"You have to make sure you manage your time and take time for your spouse and family. They had MPs and the spouses of MPs speaking to us about that," said Mayes.

Mayes had not been assigned an office when interviewed, but he was already receiving considerable advice from Darrel Stinson's Ottawa assistant.

Mayes wasn't anticipating a cabinet post.

"I'm one of the greenhorns but I will work behind the scenes and assist in any way I can," he said.

In terms of parliamentary committee work, Mayes is interested in both aboriginal affairs and transportation.
source