BISMARCK – There are some people at the North Dakota Capitol who have the tough job of monitoring the floor during the legislative session.
Roman Weiler, Mandan, has been a sergeant at arms for six legislative sessions, about 12 years. His job is to protect and assist the legislators.
“If lobbyists need to speak to a representative, we will try to go to the desk and find out whether they want to meet with that person or whether they have something else more important,” said Weiler. “That’s really their office. It’s the only place they have to work in the Capitol.”
The sergeant at arms also tries to seat young students with their appropriate legislators, especially if the legislator is from the student’s district.
“We keep people from gathering here, keep people from leaning on the railing,” said Weiler.
Weiler said there are some legislators who have chosen to move closer to the front of the floor because it was too noisy in the back.
Over the years, Weiler said most people have been respectful, but there are always people that want to slip by, even veteran lobbyists.
Though Weiler is retired, he said he enjoys the job of the sergeant at arms to get out of the house.
Though Weiler doesn’t normally go south for the winter, his kids took him to Phoenix for his 80th birthday to golf.
“I like to play golf in the sunshine everyday,” said Weiler
