Currently, one can watch online the local version of what might be considered a modified “grand inquisition”. It’s a regular occurrence at our local legislature where citizens representing entities make requests, and (often) get slowly demeaned or grilled like huli-huli chicken by scowling committee chairs and sometimes equally disrespectful committee members (if they show up).
Some presenters do come in unprepared, with poorly laid out explanations to justify their causes. Sometimes, they’ll fairly get admonished for not providing previously requested paperwork to help detail what they want/need. But Condescension? Rudeness? Government ostensibly exists to serve the people, not to serve them up on a pupu platter.
Local legislators peruse over 3,000 proffered pieces of legislation annually, and inevitably pass about 10% of them. But why must the process be so painful? Must dedicated people trying to make a difference in Hawai’i genuflect and play the role of sycophants? Many legislators run unopposed or barely opposed in election years here, allowing them a sense of freedom (arrogance?) to act condescendingly without much fear of the ultimate retribution- losing their next election.
Maybe a full-time, unicameral (one legislative body- see Nebraska) with better pay and longer sessions would allow folks to take a deep breath and spend more time before and during sessions working through concerns in calmer times with calmer elected officials. Jamming it in over the scant 60 working days of our law-making session seems rushed and unnecessarily unnerving.
The part-time nature of local legislators’ jobs means that many require supplemental income via second jobs, which about half of the elected folks at 415 South Beretania do. This outside work helps pay the bills, yet must surely keep the state ethics folks busy as they weigh constant, potential conflicts of interest. At least it should…
At committee meetings and public sessions, I’ve seen angst and fear take center stage as questioning devolves into “Gotcha!” sessions. It’s this over-the-top, pejorative tone that needs to ratchet down a notch. British historian, Lord Acton wrote in 1887 that “…absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Or at least it taints…
I have empathy for elected officials tasked with focused on the valuable arguments vs. the superfluous ones, but civility, respect, and the understanding that, “hey, these are your peops!” must win out over bullying, denigrating, and patronizing. Leave that to the dunderheads flailing about in Washington, D.C. It’s the one thing they excel at.
Think about it…