| mySPIN |
 Legislator's Don't Get It
by Tom Campbell
November 2, 2006
The legislator approached with some obvious hesitancy. “Why do you, and others in the media, constantly beat up on us? Why are you so negative all the time?”
First responses can often be wrong, so a look of incredulous amazement was instantly ruled out. Perhaps the lawmaker was serious. Suddenly, it was clear. These 170 folks in our legislature obviously don’t get it. They don’t understand the deterioration in good government, the erosion of ethical conduct, the proliferation of corruption that closed door deals, slush funds, high dollar entertainment, big dollar contributions, and leadership allowed to serve too long have had on this once proud body.
It may be easier to understand why representatives who have served ten years or less have faulty vision. They came to the party late. But those who have served more than ten years, and there are many of them, should have better institutional memory. Like water dripping on a rock, the erosion has slowly, but steadily eaten away at public confidence, but more importantly, it has gradually accepted lower and lower standards of conduct from those who serve. Common interests have been replaced by special interests, even personal interests.
Those of us who have participated in and observed the legislature for more than twenty years clearly see what the lawmaker who posed the question obviously doesn’t. Open government is an archaic notion to those who were accustomed to lengthy budget hearings and legislative committee meetings. Closed door, behind-the-scenes deals, made by only a handful, have become the norm.
The public servant mentality has given way to one of entitlement. Gerrymandered legislative districts have virtually assured re-election for most all lawmakers, eliminating the need for legislators to have to visit country stores, meeting and actually listening to those whom they profess to serve. Accountability has gone by the wayside. Perhaps the most dangerous trend over the past two decades has been the emergence of legislative leadership, the House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem, as the principal fundraisers for lawmakers. Lobbyists, seeking access and legislation, have gladly genuflected to these long-entrenched leaders, pouring massive sums into their election coffers. Sums which the leaders can then dole out to cronies. The chosen beneficiaries easily outspend any who would challenge them at the polls. Not only is the election bought, but so is the one elected.
Perhaps they have been so close to the proverbial forest they have failed to see the trees. Maybe they have turned their heads to things, rationalizing that they had to go along to get along. Whatever the reason, if our legislators fail to recognize the poor state of the conduct of the people’s business in our state, they really don’t get it. Perhaps a comprehensive eye examination is in order, followed by a hearing check up.
So here is our response to the lawmaker’s question. Those of us who have followed legislative affairs for many years, we who have observed the deterioration of conduct, those who want us to live up to our long-held tradition of good government and to believe that our elected officials are good people who want to do the right thing, are waiting for the awakening and acknowledgement by the men and women who serve. We want to know the legislators “get it.” Then, and only then, can we become cheerleaders for a return to more open, more honest, more representative government. Until that time, we will continue the growing chorus demanding change.
|
|
