Payne with State Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr., D-Brooklyn

Arlene Payne is something of an expert when it comes to listening. During the summers of 2000 and 2001, she worked in the office of then-Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, taking calls from constituents and helping to solve their problems. The issues included a rat infestation, abandoned vehicles and water problems. She also worked in the summer of 2001 as an intern in New York State Sen. John Sampson’s office, where she represented him at local events in Brooklyn and lobbied on behalf of his constituents on quality-of-life issues.

“Believe me, I understand what goes on in the local (legislative) office when it comes to constituent issues,” said Payne, who has since brought that perspective to Albany. The recipient of the prestigious Stanley Fink legislative internship last spring, she worked in the Capitol office of state Assembly-man Clarence Norman Jr., D-Brooklyn, where she tracked bills, carried out research, and, yes, once again listened to constituent complaints. The full-semester, four-day-a-week internship, which carries a $5,000 scholarship, honors the memory of Stanley Fink, former speaker of the New York State Assembly. “In Albany, it’s more about legislation, more about law, and more about politics,” explained Payne, who has a 3.8 Grade Point Average and will graduate this December with a dual major in U.S. history and African/Afro-American studies.

Payne, who turned down a full scholarship offer from New York University to come to UAlbany, took a class in public policy taught by UAlbany Professor Julian Zelizer during the spring of her freshman year. The class, which was suggested by another history professor, Richard Hamm, examined public policy decisions in the context of the nation’s history. The following fall, she declared history as a major. “Professors Hamm, Zelizer, and (Al) Ballard have been mentors. They have gone the additional mile in assisting me, and helped me grow academically. I don’t think I ever would have gotten such personal attention and assistance if I had gone somewhere else,” she said.

The 21-year-old Payne won’t rule out becoming an elected official herself someday, but she says she is more likely to become a legislative consultant or lobbyist.

“Politics is definitely not for everyone,” she said. “You sometimes have to set aside your personal beliefs. But I think that, with the right people in power, we can still do good things. Citizens need to be involved and know what’s going on. Only then can you correct the problem. One person can have an impact.”

— Christine McKnight