Capitol Commentary December 13, 2010

1. Capitol
Commentary
1432 Ferncliff Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-366-8748
ruth@ruthsamuelson.com
December 13, 2010 Holiday Greetings Charlotte, NC
As the holiday season moves rapidly along, I trust you and your family are looking forward to a peaceful and
rich Christmas celebration – now less than two weeks away! But amidst all the joyous holiday anticipation,
there’s also a very serious process taking place, as my political colleagues and I gear up for the legislative
session that begins Jan. 26.
Much has been accomplished since I last wrote to you following the historic Nov. 2 election. Most recently,
the GOP majority in the state House finished electing its new leadership team. I was honored to have been
asked to serve as Majority Whip and pleased to have been confirmed by caucus members this past Saturday
for that role.
Those of you familiar with the role of the Whip may view it as that of a heavy-handed partisan enforcer --
and those of you who aren’t may wonder if it involves weapons or violence! The Majority Whip is actually
charged with counting votes and holding the team together. I intend to use my skills and training in
communications and conflict resolution to collaborate with caucus members on these critical issues. If the

2. majority can come together around the wisest course for solving our states many challenges, then ultimately
that benefits all North Carolinians.
Between now and the start of the session on January 26, the House leadership will be busy appointing
committee chairmen and members, assigning offices and hiring new staff to replace those hired by previous
administrations. They will also be reworking the rules under which the House and its committees operate, in
an effort to make them fairer for all parties.
Personal Holiday Greetings
Be assured that I will continue to keep you informed about political happenings as the session unfolds. But -
- since I consider readers of this newsletter to be my political “family and friends” -- I’d like to take this
opportunity to offer a quick personal update on the goings-on among the Samuelson clan.
• Our oldest, Bobby, 25, met the girl of his dreams at his brother’s wedding in July! They will be getting
married in June and moving back to Charlotte. Our family is pleased to welcome his fiancée, McKinsey Harris
– who, like Bobby, grew up in Charlotte.
• Our son David, 24, is working in Charlotte at a dental practice and was recently accepted to dental
school at UNC-Chapel Hill. His wife Courtney – who he married in July – is finishing up her two-year stint
with Teach for America. We expect they’ll be moving to Chapel Hill in 2011.
• Daughter Joy, 22, mother of our grandson Evan, will be going back to school at CPCC in January.
Chad is still flying with Mesa Air, and Evan – 16 months – is now busy walking, babbling and smiling. He
does recognize his grandparents but hasn’t selected names for us yet.
• And finally, Alex, 22 -- who came to live with us under a legal guardianship arrangement when he was
ten years old -- is in the process of being adopted formally into our family. We’ve long considered him one
of our own, but we’re delighted to make it official!
As you can see, I live a very full life – both personally and professionally – and I certainly feel blessed. I
wish the same for you as you prepare for your holiday celebrations and the coming New Year!

3. Merry Christmas!
Ruth