A Labor of Love An Advocate Spotlight: Cheryl Hooper (KY-03) by Je Szymanski
From right to left: AMAC Action KY-03 Chapter Leader Cheryl Hooper at a Meet & Greet with Sen. Rand Paul and AMAC Action SVP Andy Mangione.
“A labor of love” is how Cheryl Hooper describes her role as a chapter leader. “Trial by fire” is how she refers to her first hosted meeting. In August 2022, she brought in the big guns a Meet and Greet with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. “Being an advocate has really inspired me to dig deep into the political landscape that exists in our country,” Cheryl expressed after being asked about the opportunities presented to her by becoming an AMAC Action Advocate, “to have a better under- standing of the issues and to share those with my chapter members.” She added, “I’m so grateful that my chapter members have been responsive in their meeting atten- dance and supporting me as their chapter leader.” Though not famous, Bill Dieruf is one of the most interesting political figures Cheryl’s met. Well-known to those in and around Louisville, Cheryl called him “a true hometown hero.” Dieruf won the election as mayor of
Jeffersontown in 2010, 2014, and 2018. But when he lost the mayor’s race in Louisville in 2022, Cheryl said, “After all the votes were counted, I remem- ber feeling a sense of disbelief and disappointment that defeat was the final destination.” In Cheryl’s opinion, the most press- ing issue in the country right now is illegal immigration. “So many crimi- nals are crossing the border into the US, and the Biden administration is turning a blind eye. I’m concerned about the potential health risks and exposures that I think will start to become evident. Our healthcare system is already overburdened, and unchecked immigration will only exacerbate public health emer- gencies in an already overburdened system.” Politics aside, Cheryl enjoys listening to music (classic vinyl, the 70s, older country, soft rock), reading, and polit- ical discourse from Mark Levin and Bill O’Reilly. “I watch Jeopardy! every night and think about the world of
Ken Jennings. I also enjoy sampling wines and spending time with my family.” This includes her senior dachshund, Reese, and cat, Sadie, a Maine Coon. Cheryl wants to do more “issue presentations” at meetings and will continue to have occasional guest speakers throughout 2023. She’d love to get Mark Levin to join via Zoom! “I plan to sample or poll my chapter members to get an idea about some topics they are interested in and their input on speakers.” Since becom- ing an advocate, Cheryl noted, “I’ve focused a lot of energy on hosting speakers/candidates. One of my main goals is to grow this chapter. I’ve also volunteered to host statewide chap- ter meetings, so I’m getting my feet wet in that arena. Stay tuned! Lots of good things to come.”
Want to get in on the action like Cheryl?
Check out AMAC Action here! Or visit us at amac.us/advocates
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