Speak out
When some people hear our state’s name, Nevada, they think of desert bighorn sheep or sagebrush or the bristlecone pine. To me, these days, Nevada is the legislature.
Page 1 of the Guide to the Nevada State Legislature states, “The legislative process is the heart of Nevada government. Through the legislature, the voice of the people finds its most direct expression.”
I agree. We legislators represent the voice of the people. Our system of democracy works. People choose their lawmakers and send them to Carson City to represent their interests.
However, some people are distrustful and cynical of how the legislature works. They think there is too much disagreement on issues fueled by special interests. I view disagreement as a sign of health. It means we’re hearing various viewpoints. Disagreement leads to deliberation, negotiation and compromise. Each of these elements distinguishes our government from other, less-inclusive systems.
The fact is that we Americans do not agree on most policy issues. And studies show that we tend to overestimate how much others agree with us. This is human nature. We are all convinced that our own opinions are right, and we can’t understand why everyone doesn’t agree with us. No wonder sparks fly when we debate complicated issues, such as capital punishment, tort reform and taxes.
If you come to the legislature, you might see legislators engaged or sometimes enraged because they disagree. Visitors to our chambers are often surprised to see legislators strongly, stridently debating a bill on the floor of the Assembly at one moment. And then in the next moment, they see the same lawmakers strongly agreeing on another issue. Successful legislators learn quickly not to hold grudges. After all, they’re just having an honest debate about what is best for Nevada.
I work with a lot of advocacy groups. Some of them have a difficult time accepting that compromise is an essential element of our legislative process. They complain bitterly about accepting “half a loaf.” The truth is, the legislature gets the job done through compromise. That’s what makes the system work.
We legislators are there to represent you, the people of the state of Nevada and your various points-of-view. Sure, special interests pay lobbyists to work on their issues. But that’s their right.
The most effective lobbyist is the citizen lobbyist, someone who personally testifies or contacts legislators on issues important to them. Most legislators I know listen very carefully to the views of the people they represent.
Let lawmakers hear your opinions. If you disagree with your lawmaker on an issue, remember that’s just a starting point. Disagreement leads to deliberation, negotiation and compromise. It is the legislative process. It is the heart of Nevada government.