Walking the talk: a senator hit the road to write a book about what's on the minds of Pennsylvanians.

• Author: Maravic, Carol
• Position: ONE OF OUR OWN - Rob Wonderling

Rob Wonderling is the first to admit that it sounds kind of corny. But he has a passion for the citizens of Pennsylvania and for public service.

"I love the simple notion that by serving in elected office, the people have given me the opportunity to lend a hand to someone in need, or improve a community," he says.

Wonderling, a second-term senator from Montgomery County in the Delaware Valley northwest of Philadelphia, is as far from the "old-school politician" as you can get. He is much more comfortable being called by his first name than senator, and he spends a lot of time traveling around his district, talking informally with his constituents and listening to their concerns.

It was those travels that led him to write a book about issues of concern to Pennsylvanians--Talking PA. Wonderling hit the road in November 2006 after choosing 21 Pennsylvanians whose concerns illustrated a variety of policy matters.

It's no surprise Wondering took such an unconventional route to become familiar with constituents' issues. He hosts a monthly television show, usually featuring local businesses, area landmarks and community organizations in his district. And every year he sponsors a "Senator for a Day" event to give high school students a chance to learn firsthand about the legislative process.

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ENTHUSIASM AND COMMITMENT

His colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate give him high marks for his enthusiasm and commitment to public service.

"Senator Wonderling is an energetic and innovative member of the Pennsylvania Senate," says Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi. "Rob has a talent for boiling down complex issues to a level where people can really see how decisions made by state government affect families and businesses."

That's one of the main reasons he ran for office. He says lawmakers need to see and understand the connection between what they do and the people they work for.

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"These are folks who are busy tending to the needs of their own families, jobs and communities and don't have the time to immerse themselves in the nuances of public policy," Wonderling says.

"But they do expect their government and their public servants to work for them with integrity, vision and a commitment to excellence. And they do expect to be heard." That was the impetus for the book.

"I felt that after four years of being inundated by white papers and high-priced lobbyists and experts, not to mention an increasingly cynical...