Thanks to an anonymous commenter, ConservaChick was prompted to write to state legislators about the possible naming of Representative Kathy Stein (D-75th District) as chair of the state's Judiciary Committee. I think I need to revisit my civics lessons... the House leadership will determine whether she chairs that committee, not a House vote.
However, my effort at communication with legislators did not go unrewarded. In addition to one very nice response, I received a one-sentence email response from Representative Mary Lou Marzian (D-34th District):
Now, don't get me wrong. I fully expected to be ignored by the Democrats so this minimal response was somewhat rewarding. In Kentucky, you can almost bet on a clear partisan split on issues that matter to state residents. The Dems run riot in Frankfort and have done so for decades; they know it and they don't bother to explain themselves to Republicans.
I suppose one sentence was quite a reward for my efforts, especially coming from Mary Lou Marzian. Any detailed correspondence with citizens like me might cause her to miss more votes.
Hey, it's a tough job, I'm sure. The 48 missed votes by Marzian are actually nothing compared with the 131 missed votes by Stein! I sincerely question the commitment of any representative who misses 131 votes in one year...
In addition to her poor work ethic, Representative Stein is problematic in other ways. Ms. Stein is so far Left that she cannot comprehend, much less represent, the views of moderate Democrats.
Stein's work ethic is questionable at best. So, the biggest question in my mind is whether new responsibilities will simply give her more reason to miss even more votes. I would think that the people of her district expect her to vote once in a while, to do the job she was elected to do.
One would think that a good work ethic would be among the important criteria for Stein to be considered "highly qualified" for that position by Representative Marzian or any other member of the Kentucky legislature.
However, my effort at communication with legislators did not go unrewarded. In addition to one very nice response, I received a one-sentence email response from Representative Mary Lou Marzian (D-34th District):
"Rep. Stein is highly qualified and I fully support her[.]"
Now, don't get me wrong. I fully expected to be ignored by the Democrats so this minimal response was somewhat rewarding. In Kentucky, you can almost bet on a clear partisan split on issues that matter to state residents. The Dems run riot in Frankfort and have done so for decades; they know it and they don't bother to explain themselves to Republicans.
I suppose one sentence was quite a reward for my efforts, especially coming from Mary Lou Marzian. Any detailed correspondence with citizens like me might cause her to miss more votes.
Hey, it's a tough job, I'm sure. The 48 missed votes by Marzian are actually nothing compared with the 131 missed votes by Stein! I sincerely question the commitment of any representative who misses 131 votes in one year...
In addition to her poor work ethic, Representative Stein is problematic in other ways. Ms. Stein is so far Left that she cannot comprehend, much less represent, the views of moderate Democrats.
Stein's work ethic is questionable at best. So, the biggest question in my mind is whether new responsibilities will simply give her more reason to miss even more votes. I would think that the people of her district expect her to vote once in a while, to do the job she was elected to do.
One would think that a good work ethic would be among the important criteria for Stein to be considered "highly qualified" for that position by Representative Marzian or any other member of the Kentucky legislature.
Comments
Legislators have many styles of service and one is a good as another. I like my style because it keeps me in tune with those I represent. I like the personal touch. Senators, who represent many more people than State Representatives, would not be able to do as I do because of the time factor involved.
If a citizen cares enough about state government to contact me with a concern or an opinion, I want them to know I read their contact and that their reply is from me, not from someone on my staff and think I do not know anything about it myself. We do not always agree (citizens have many different opinons) and they do not always agree with my reply, but they know I gave their opinion or concern consideration.
What I do is not something great or outstanding, it is just my style. I also try very hard to do my other duties and did not miss a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives in the 2006 Session, even though I spent one night in the hospital during the Session due to illness. I made sure the doctor released me in time for the afternoon Session so I could cast my votes and be part of the debates and discussion.
There are other legislators who are much better speakers than I am and who have greater skills in other areas than I do. We all serve in our own ways.
I also enjoy reading some the blogs each day, this also keeps me in tune with the different conservative and liberal opinions. I consider myself a mainstream conservative.
In the end I think the voters can make up their minds if their legislators are serving them well or not. It would be hard to require all legislators to deal with constituent services the very same way. I should point out some legislators have full-time jobs while others are retired (as I am)or consider the legislative posts as their full-time job (as I do).
I realize that everyone, regardless of career choice, has differing styles of communication. The problem I have with that in a government career is this: If I ignore input from my supervisor at work, I take the risk of losing my job. How is serving the public in this commonwealth any different? Really. That's where I start and stop on the debate about communicating with the public.
I used to take a more laid back attitude about this. I wrote letters and knew that I might be ignored just because I was not a voter in that legislator's district. Today, it's a bit of a different scene. Even though I am not a constituent in every district that is served by every legislator, as an online and politically active Kentuckian, I am connected with all parts of this great commonwealth. Most of us are these days.
Apparently, Anon, you understand the new landscape better than most in Frankfort. Even if a legislator's district is currently happy with his/her performance, they are still online and keeping tabs on the news. It's never more than a click away these days.
I wish more folks in Frankfort had your desire to stay in touch with citizens. We would have a greater commonwealth than ever before if that should happen one day!
Other representatives who missed votes ought to be truly ashamed of themselves. I certainly hope Rep. Wuchner does well with her treatment and is feeling better very soon.