Commentary; Posted: 6/2/04

Blame to share in broken legislative system

It might be asked why after 16 weeks of legislative session did lawmakers leave the State Capitol having accomplished so remarkably little.

After all, Republicans and Democrats alike vowed to address the issue of sexual predators, for instance. In hearing after hearing, lawmakers from both parties expressed outrage and contempt for those preying on the innocent.

Something absolutely must be done, the public was told. More prisons, longer sentences, throw away the key.

Nothing happened.

Some might call this politics: others, criminal indifference.

So bitterly partisan and dysfunctional this group of lawmakers they couldnít even manage to pass a bonding bill. People statewide ó future generations ó benefit from the programs, facilities and jobs created by a bonding bill.

Jobs, both Republicans and Democrats solemnly tell the public, are what theyíre all about.

Nothing happened.

Northstar commuter rail supporters, take note. The project again is apparently about to fold. High education supporters, take note. The stateís beloved institutions may not be getting the upkeep they need.

A same-sex marriage ban constitutional amendment will not fix a leaky roof.

So whoís to blame for the broken system? Pick a player.

Senate DFLers seemed to have taken a page out of pop psychology and looked at the session as a means of self-realization. This may or may not have anything to do with the public good.

Republicans have long set a standard for rigidity.

Even Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a former lawmaker and ostensibly the head of his party, failed to bring lawmakers together and accepted the impasse with little sign of irritation.

One approach to solving the gridlock is for voters to elect new officials. That is, replace these highly replaceable people with a new crop.

The House is up for election in November. A shake-up might be in order. The Senate can be stood on its head in two years.

Aside from voting the ineffective ones out, we suggest a change in the way business is done at the Capitol.

We strongly urge House and Senate rules committees to consider holding lawmakers accountable by having them approve bonding and budget bills before moving on to other issues. If it takes the entire session to complete the bills, then so be it.

But we would hazard to guess that legislators would try to get the work done more quickly, so they can move onto issues they hold more dear.

In the meantime, the public can cross its fingers and hope a small measure of common sense and good will seep into the partisan vacuum under the Capitol dome and awaken something noble.

ó An editorial from the ECM Editorial Board. The Forest Lake Times is part of ECM Publishers, Inc.

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