BISMARCK – As complicated as the North Dakota legislative process can be, there are some people who have been working there for a long time that will give a helping hand.
Marsha Lembke, Bismarck, a legislative tour guide at the North Dakota State Capitol, said her job includes helping people, especially students, learn about the legislative process and where places are in the Capitol, such as the Senate and House chambers and committee meeting rooms.
“The information desk, they try to always have somebody sitting here to answer questions about committee hearings or the calendar of the day,” Lembke explained.
Though this is Lembke’s first session as a tour guide, she started as a lobbyist in 1987, working for small business groups.
“When I retired I thought, oh, I like the Capitol. I like the legislature, so I worked as a sergeant at arms at first in 2011, and now I’m a tour guide,” said Lembke.
Lembke said the kids she gives tours to seem very interested in the legislative process.
“I think the more we invite people to become a part of it, the more they realize that being a part of their legislature and working with their legislators, what a difference it makes for our North Dakota state government to stay healthy,” said Lembke.
Lembke said from her perspective there has always been a high interest by the public in state government.
Lembke shared what she likes to do as a hobby besides working at the Capitol.
“I like being Oma, that’s my grandma name,” laughed Lembke. “My grandkids are all grown, but I’m Oma to lots of people. That’s my big joy.”
Lembke has nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Her husband was also a lobbyist.
“The really exciting thing is after all those years, it’s fun to come back here,” said Lembke. “There’s a lot of people giving the State of the State address that I worked with back in the 90s.”
