When we look at national elections, we can often see the divergent ideas included in the Democratic Party. As politics move left of center, personal reasons stem from intellectual philosophy, freedom from certain governmental constraints, economic issues for families, or a sense that we have necessities in life that the government must help us all meet.
In little Northern New York, we are sometimes lulled into the false belief that, "everyone is the same as me." We need to be more insightful about, and respectful of, our differences. As a group, the St. Lawrence County Democratic Party, all of those elected and non-elected members, seem to be pulling in different directions. We all try to focus on our own personal vision instead of working together to accomplish as much as we possibly can.
It really comes down to impatience. As more towns in St. Lawrence County elect Democratic leadership and the Board of Legislators has a Democratic majority, Democrats now have the responsibility of leadership rather than the burden of criticizing as part of the minority. Unfortunately, some of us have not made the transition and still continue to criticize rather than lead. With the divergent opinions all existing under a large umbrella, many Democrats find it easier to criticize people from their own party than change, be patient, take a leadership role, and wait to be heard.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Can we talk?
It's Tuesday, so news of the SLC Board of Legislators has filtered out to the public. The most anticipated part of the agenda came and went with at whimper, as the Nichols resolution for open communication was tabled after only a few short minutes and a lengthy amendment from Peter Fiztrandolph. Now talk is that it might never be served from the table.
Most of the discussion forms around knuckle raps for Pat Turbett, as if Board members were parochial teaching nuns, and the Board's ineptness in addressing any issues beyond how they hate each other.
But the Board isn't inept. And they don't vote out of their personal feelings. Look at the agenda. They addressed 27 issues. Twenty-five passed unanimously. One passed with one dissension. And one was tabled for more information. Government and services still operate. Nothing has been shut down.
With that said, there is a mean-spiritedness. Too often, arguments go beyond a passionate stage and into a hateful one. Personal gripes are apparent. But this is not the primary tone of the Board nor should it be the focus.
Coincidentally, the administrator brought forward a future consideration about having cameras in the chambers to webcast the meetings or have them shown through local cable access. Now that would give residents of St. Law. Co. a completely different view of the Board, independent of a handful of reporters and their editors.
Most of the discussion forms around knuckle raps for Pat Turbett, as if Board members were parochial teaching nuns, and the Board's ineptness in addressing any issues beyond how they hate each other.
But the Board isn't inept. And they don't vote out of their personal feelings. Look at the agenda. They addressed 27 issues. Twenty-five passed unanimously. One passed with one dissension. And one was tabled for more information. Government and services still operate. Nothing has been shut down.
With that said, there is a mean-spiritedness. Too often, arguments go beyond a passionate stage and into a hateful one. Personal gripes are apparent. But this is not the primary tone of the Board nor should it be the focus.
Coincidentally, the administrator brought forward a future consideration about having cameras in the chambers to webcast the meetings or have them shown through local cable access. Now that would give residents of St. Law. Co. a completely different view of the Board, independent of a handful of reporters and their editors.
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