When citizens visit State Sen. AJ Griffin’s office at 23rd and Lincoln, they’ll be greeted by a new face — but even though Kala Plagg is new to the Capitol, she’s not new to Senate District 20. Plagg has been a native of Guthrie for four decades and raised her children in the state’s first capital city.
Retired from a long career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plagg was ready for a new challenge. Griffin, R-Guthrie, thought she’d be a perfect fit at the state Capitol after her long-time executive assistant, Kathy Barton, decided she was ready to retire and spend more time traveling and being with her family.
“A senator’s executive assistant is really important. Hers is usually the first voice a constituent hears when they call, the first face they see when they stop in at the Senate office. They have to understand the district, issues, legislation, and assist citizens who have questions or need help navigating state government. It really takes a special, highly motivated, organized and caring person,” Griffin said. “Since we’re both from Guthrie, I’ve known Kala for some time and I knew she’d be perfect.”
Kala is now officially on the job as Griffin’s executive assistant, and is settling in at the Capitol.
“Everyone here has been extremely nice and very helpful, and I’m so excited about this opportunity,” Kala said. “I know it can be very demanding, especially with a special session coming up later this month. But the challenges, the broad range of issues we’ll be dealing with, as well as the opportunity to help Senator Griffin serve the people of District 20 are what interested me. I’m very happy to be here.”
“Because Kala has lived in Guthrie for so long, I know she’s already acquainted with quite a few people from the district, but I hope the next time any of our constituents are at the Capitol, they’ll come by our office and join me in welcoming her to the State Senate,” Griffin said.
Great choice AJ! Exactly what you needed.