Today’s “Daily Journal” guest columnist is Melissa Mitchell of the John Locke Foundation.

RALEIGH — Recently, I ran into a fellow Meredith student who is now teaching biology. She was a traditional-age student and I was a +23 (a politically correct term for old people who go back to school), but we became friends and spent many hours in biology classes together. As we talked about what we are doing now, she expressed shock that I was working as the office manger at the Locke Foundation. Like many of my friends and family, she felt that my English and biology majors would lead me to do biological research.

After that encounter, I began to think about why I work at the John Locke Foundation; those ponderings led to this Daily Journal.

Certainly, one of the benefits is the ability to meet and hear exciting speakers at JLF’s Shaftesbury and Headliner luncheons, and I can quickly name my favorite speakers, but it is my colleagues at JLF who are truly inspiring. From the top down, everyone is dedicated to the citizens and the well-being of the state of North Carolina. It is exciting to see policy reports and Carolina Journal stories that have been thoroughly researched or investigated come to fruition.

Under the leadership of economist Roy Cordato, the JLF policy analysts provide a steady stream of Spotlights and Policy Reports that keep citizens and elected officials informed about the serious issues facing our state. Roy’s explanations of the pitfalls of government intervention in the economy with legislation like the stimulus bill present a clear picture of how Congress is burdening future generations.

Terry Stoops provides research on a variety of serious K-12 educational issues. One of my favorite Stoops articles tackles the educational jargon of acronyms. While there is a thread of humor within his article, it provides an informative look into how government can make a mountain out of a molehill — especially in education.

Legal and regulatory policy analyst Daren Bakst is at the forefront in looking at the ramifications of the decisions North Carolina legislators are making, and this Carolina Beat article provides a clear example of how in a quest for power they ignore the rights and interests of North Carolinians. Just when I think that the state lawmakers are out of control, along comes Michael Sanera with a look at the power grab by local officials.

Then there is Joe Coletti. His Back to Basics Budget shows how North Carolina can manage its budget and tax dollars better. Joe does not use the term “tax and spend.” He says, “when it comes to government, it should always be ‘spend and tax!’”

Like the research department, the Carolina Journal staff is dedicated to bringing its readers well-researched and investigated stories. The Parton Theatre debacle and the Gov. Mike Easley story are just two examples of the many stories that Don Carrington has uncovered. Following in his footsteps is David Bass, who has uncovered the monumental mismanagement within the school lunch programs throughout the state of North Carolina.

Yes, I’m the voice behind the phone at the Locke Foundation, and many of the calls to JLF are the direct result of CJ stories. When Karen McMahan’s story about 401(k)’s hit the blogs, we got calls from all over the country. But nothing generates more calls than CJ’s “Parting Shot.” I got a call from a lawmaker’s office about one “Parting Shot.” The caller would not identify the lawmaker, but said the office was getting angry phone calls about the story. When I explained that it was a “parody,” she stated, “Honey, we don’t know what that word means, and you should not be saying those things.” Although the fictional articles only poke fun at government, people are so fed up with government excesses that the “Parting Shot” often seems believable.

One of today’s political buzz words is “transparency.” Most politicians promise that their administration will be the most transparent, but have you ever tried to find information about your county or a government agency? It is often an impossible task. A cooperative effort by many of the JLF staff has produced NCTransparency.com. Sometimes, a research project generates a bevy of calls to JLF. The transparency project was one of those. Many government agencies were not happy with the grade they earned and called to say that they were in the process of fixing the problem.

Because many JLF articles and reports are appearing on Google, we are getting some calls that create some very funny moments. I have taken requests for housing, meat orders, and one for an ultrasound. I also get calls from exasperated parents whose children need to write a paper about John Locke, and the paper is due the next day. I point them to the wonderful essay about John Locke by George Stephens. However, as an English major, I can’t resist giving a lesson in citing Internet sources.

The Locke Foundation’s internship program, along with the E.A Morris Fellowship program, directed by Karen Palasek, has afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with the brightest and most outstanding traditional-age college students and emerging leaders.

But I would really be remiss if I did not say that one of the biggest perks at JLF is getting to meet our supporters. It is always exciting when someone calls with five or six people to add to our mailing list or to see our supporters at an event. Most of our callers are supportive and grateful for the work JLF is doing.

In the last eight months, the tenor of our callers has changed. Previously, they expressed their dismay over the actions of elected officials, but now they are angry. They are scared about the direction in which our country is headed. I ham hearing the word “scared” almost every day.

Now you, my family and friends, and my former Meredith classmate all know why I work at the Locke foundation. My biology interests are now hobbies. Certainly, I believe in the mission of the Locke Foundation, but it is the day-to-day dedication of the staff at JLF that is so impressive. I have mentioned some of my colleagues, but there are many more who work long hours behind the scenes to make the Locke Foundation a leader in North Carolina. But even though everyone is dealing with serious issues, all of my co-workers have a wonderful sense of humor, and the Locke office is filled with laughter.

Besides, where else could I work where the president and chairman of the organization dances, sings, plays the piano, and is a 4-H leader?