Our democratic republic is sustained by a political process. Political parties select candidates for the general election through their
primaries. Political party platforms outline the issues to be addressed by the government. However, upon election, public officials are expected to represent the greater good and govern in the interest of all citizens. Unfortunately, this principle is being diminished in favor of constant political conflict.
At the national level, compromise in pursuit of a common policy has become non-existent. Legislation is formulated in the caucus of the majority party without consultation and immediately rejected by the other party. Progress has become the victim of legislative deadlock.
At the state level, the current leadership of the Texas Senate has twice revised its rules to ensure that all legislation can be adopted without participation by the minority party. Important committee assignments are allocated to members of the majority party without regard to seniority or experience. When the speaker of the Texas House made a more balanced assignment of leadership positions, he was immediately attacked by the state chairman of his own political party. Texas is rapidly descending into the national pattern.
There are several causes for the loss of bipartisan policymaking. There are strong divisions among our citizens on both economic and social issues. Media and special interest groups encourage these divisions and demonize any dissent or call for compromise.
Gerrymandering of congressional and legislative districts has resulted in “safe” districts for both parties. With no viable contest in November, the primary race is tantamount to election. With decreasing participation in the primaries, fringe elements of each party become more influential. To attract the support of these elements and their financial donations, candidates must assume more radical positions. Any deviation from these positions brings an immediate attack and threats of a primary opponent. Any movement toward compromise on important issues is treated as treason by the extreme partisans. Even well-meaning officials become afraid to lead toward common ground, and those who only focus on re-election become subservient to the vocal minority.
In the midst of this furor at the national and state level, county government has remained focused on public service. With many separate elected officers, effective, efficient county government depends upon a cooperative effort to succeed.
Regardless of party affiliation, county officials have continued to work together for commonsense solutions to fulfill the needs of their local citizens. Differences are discussed and policies developed with respect for each other and the greater interest of our citizens. When the elections are over, the fundamental principles of government apply to all. Public service is an honor and an obligation. Unfortunately, this adherence to the traditional values of fairness and integrity has prompted a negative reaction by some special interests and legislative leaders, and we are facing attempts to exclude county officials from participation in the state legislative process.
The Great Seal of the United States and our currency bear the motto: E pluribus unum – “Out of many, one.” It originated in the teachings of Cicero that states: “When each person loves the other as much as himself, it makes one out of many.” Adopted by Congress in 1782, it symbolizes the need to come together to achieve true public service. Let’s continue to provide an example for others to aspire to public service over political service.