New legislators get schooled on how to make friends, find success in Annapolis

Five weeks ago they were on the campaign trail. Five weeks from now, they will be sworn in as state legislators, completing a whirlwind transition. For many, it will be a first taste of public service. To help ease the newcomers’ transition from citizen to servant, senior members of the General Assembly — lawmakers from both chambers and both parties — are offering a two-day crash course on what it takes to be a success. Several speakers at Monday’s opening session in the House of Delegates chamber urged next year’s freshman class to treat one another with respect and to nurture bonds with colleagues of all stripes.