By definition, a representative’s job is to represent his or her constituents and their interests in Washington, D.C. Some legislators, armed with party rhetoric and a personal agenda, go very much astray of the interests of those who elected them to office. As a strong advocate for the domestic auto industry, Dingell has never abandoned the issues most crucial to his constituents in Detroit and Dearborn who depended on that industry for their livelihood.

As chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he was feared by some for his fierce oversight and expansive jurisdiction in legislative matters, but also widely respected for the fact that he was driven to such by a determination to serve his constituents’ interests.

Dingell has done much more than defend the auto industry, as he has been a strong supporter of health care and conservation throughout his tenure. Just as his father Rep. John Dingell, Sr. did when he was in Congress, Dingell has pushed a bill for universal health care for all Americans since he first entered the House in 1957. With President Barack Obama having declared health care reform a priority for his administration and with Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, Dingell may finally realize this legislative goal and make it the capstone of his legacy. That victory would be a fitting one, and would be especially in the interest of his constituents who have been hurt most by the recession and have the highest unemployment rate in the nation.

Like many Michigan citizens, Dingell has been a hunter since his youth, which has largely influenced his conservationist views. Having witnessed the splendor of the natural world and what it means for recreation, vitality, and quality of life for people of this state, he worked to preserve it as such for future generations. It would be foolish to not mention the National Wilderness Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, the Water Quality Act, and the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990.

Personally, I have encountered Dingell in a number of different settings, each one another example of his commitment to his constituents and the people of Michigan. My first time meeting him was when he attended a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes in Ann Arbor. It was on the outskirts of his strangely shaped district, and due to a recent surgery he needed some assistance walking up a hill to the stage. Still, there he was, thanking everyone in attendance for their support of diabetes research and promising to do his part for the effort in Washington, D.C. I was younger, but even then it struck me as significant that he had come out to support and encourage this group and to promise to continue the fight for a cure at the national level.

Years later, I would experience similar situations several more times, as Dingell would cross district lines to show his support for the Detroit civil and human rights organization Focus: HOPE at its events and countless others across the region.

The news media spill a lot of ink over sex scandals, dramatic personal experiences and other juicy controversies, but rarely take the time to acknowledge those who take their job seriously and never stop working for their constituents. As we note Dingell’s historic milestone, I think we should all take a moment to reassess what we expect of our elected officials. In doing so, we should push for the rest of the nation’s political figures to aspire to Dingell’s level of service and commitment.

Ryand Dinkgrave is a State News guest columnist. Reach him at dinkgrave@gmail.com.