A CONVERSATION WITH CINDY KISSEL


Election night was an emotional night for all of us that worked on campaigns. At the Republican gathering we all were glued either to the television watching the State and National results or to the tally board watching the numbers come in our local elections.

Even though I was not on the ballot I still found myself pacing the Hall waiting for the results. My hope was to see all my Republican team make it into office. Some made it and some were on the losing side, but I was proud of them all for the effort they put in.

As I was watching the returns I began to think about the emotions of the spouses waiting with great anticipation as their husband or wife found out their outcome.

One person of great interest to me was the wife of newly re-elected State Senator, John Kissel.

Cindy Kissel has been through all this before and you would think she would be calm on election night 2006. However, she felt a double emotion of not only having her choice for office waiting the results, but the man she loves and calls her husband.

Therefore, I asked her some questions about life as the wife to successful politician.

First, what was election night like for you as the results came in to headquarters?

Mrs. Kissel responded by saying “it was a nail biter especially as you see Enfield results come in first. But as you begin to see winning numbers, like we saw in our own voting precinct, you know it’s going to be a good night.”

“You have to have faith in God and accept the outcome as Gods will” Cindy stated.

Further on in our conversation I asked about how the Kissel home handles the busy schedule of an elected Official and especially the campaign.

“Our children come first” without hesitation was the first response to the question. “We try to make our home as normal as possible” stated Mrs. Kissel.

During the campaign Cindy goes to as many events as she possibly can, but also realizes that she has to handle the home front so John can do what he has been called to do…serve the people.

But she is busy herself. Not only the mother to two wonderful children, Nathaniel and Tristan, but also holding down a full time job herself.

It all comes down to priorities in balancing family, job, and the awesome responsibility her husband has in representing 90,000 citizens of 7th District. But from my view point it appears that Mrs. Kissel has been gifted to not only balance life, but to make it better for everyone around her.

As we concluded our conversation I asked Mrs. Kissel if she had any message for the voters of Enfield and the 7th Senatorial District. “Thank you for putting your confidence for the past 14 years in my husband” and “John and I never take your vote for granted” was her response.

She went on further to say that “you may not agree with John on everything, but he is always interested in hearing from you” and “He is there for you”.

I want to thank Cindy Kissel for taking time for this week’s article. I found her insightful and refreshing as we talked. In a time when being in the political arena can change you and even harden you it is a special blessing to observe the Kissel’s. People who are humbled in the fact that they get to serve their community.

God Bless and best wishes for next two years…

Greg Stokes