Printed on 1/12/12
House District 49
Leading up to this year's general session of the Colorado legislature there have been many news reports which give the impression that the tone at the capitol this year will be all acrimony and conflict. Their expectation is that the Democrats and Republicans will be fighting on every issue.
I can assure you that this expectation of a bitter and divisive session is greatly exaggerated. There are always conflicts and disagreements but by my observation there is also cooperation and an honest effort to accomplish the work we have before us. Most of the people who serve in Colorado's General Assembly are hard working, dedicated people who care deeply about the future of the State of Colorado.
First let us look at the good. The legislative process here in Colorado works! It is an accurate reflection of the people of Colorado. I have now had the chance to watch Colorado's lawmaking system in action from a very close range. I do not agree with the outcome on every issue every time and it may not be in agreement with the majority of the people in District 49, but, by my observation, it does reflect the state as a whole. This is the genius of our system. It works and it works best when everyone is actively involved in the process at some level.
I admit that there is also an element of "bad" in the process. Much meaningless and destructive political rhetoric is created and promulgated through the legislative process. It is not necessary to review any examples, you know it when you see it, but this "bad" element can be found in every arena of the political world, from elected officials to special interest groups and the media. In addition, the cure is not more shrill rhetoric complaining about the situation. The cure is found in honesty and integrity. Good political leadership will overcome the bad political rhetoric that inevitably crops up in active political debate.
What about ugly? The legislative process is often compared to the making of sausage. I would not disagree. I will also say that I like sausage. Some things are just difficult to complete.
Legislation is difficult to complete. As you read of the disagreements and struggles we encounter here at the capitol, understand that that is the nature of the process. There are 100 members of the General Assembly. Each has their own set of ideas and priorities. Add to this the 600 to 700 bills we must run through the complicated gauntlet of passing bills in our 120 day session every year. How could that process be anything but ugly at times?
One needs tough skin to live in this arena, but add it all up and I say it is quite worth while. Ideas are born that bring forth generations of effect. It is a long and complicated process. There is good, bad and ugly to put up with and it works as well as the honest effort we put into it.
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2004 Session
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The Good The Bad and The Ugly
by Representative Kevin LundbergHouse District 49
Leading up to this year's general session of the Colorado legislature there have been many news reports which give the impression that the tone at the capitol this year will be all acrimony and conflict. Their expectation is that the Democrats and Republicans will be fighting on every issue.
I can assure you that this expectation of a bitter and divisive session is greatly exaggerated. There are always conflicts and disagreements but by my observation there is also cooperation and an honest effort to accomplish the work we have before us. Most of the people who serve in Colorado's General Assembly are hard working, dedicated people who care deeply about the future of the State of Colorado.
First let us look at the good. The legislative process here in Colorado works! It is an accurate reflection of the people of Colorado. I have now had the chance to watch Colorado's lawmaking system in action from a very close range. I do not agree with the outcome on every issue every time and it may not be in agreement with the majority of the people in District 49, but, by my observation, it does reflect the state as a whole. This is the genius of our system. It works and it works best when everyone is actively involved in the process at some level.
I admit that there is also an element of "bad" in the process. Much meaningless and destructive political rhetoric is created and promulgated through the legislative process. It is not necessary to review any examples, you know it when you see it, but this "bad" element can be found in every arena of the political world, from elected officials to special interest groups and the media. In addition, the cure is not more shrill rhetoric complaining about the situation. The cure is found in honesty and integrity. Good political leadership will overcome the bad political rhetoric that inevitably crops up in active political debate.
What about ugly? The legislative process is often compared to the making of sausage. I would not disagree. I will also say that I like sausage. Some things are just difficult to complete.
Legislation is difficult to complete. As you read of the disagreements and struggles we encounter here at the capitol, understand that that is the nature of the process. There are 100 members of the General Assembly. Each has their own set of ideas and priorities. Add to this the 600 to 700 bills we must run through the complicated gauntlet of passing bills in our 120 day session every year. How could that process be anything but ugly at times?
One needs tough skin to live in this arena, but add it all up and I say it is quite worth while. Ideas are born that bring forth generations of effect. It is a long and complicated process. There is good, bad and ugly to put up with and it works as well as the honest effort we put into it.
< Back to Archives
