An Essay on the ethics and standards constituents should expect of politicians
The effort our elected leaders put into getting into office is impressive and mindboggling. Everyone who has the courage to stand for election deserves credit for trying to serve the public. Only one candidate prevails in an election. The process looks difficult, expensive, and I am sure is an emotional roller coaster ride for the participants. The winners look mighty happy when the results are confirmed. For losing candidates, it surely is a bitter pill to swallow, but the disappointed candidates earn high marks for being gracious in defeat.
Once the euphoria of victory fades the hard work of governing takes hold. Our elections in the State of Maryland are over for the next few years. The ubiquitous street signs are gone, the endless requests for donations have dropped away, and there are no more robotic telephone calls. Now it’s time for citizens to watch our leaders in action, ask good questions at appropriate times, offer ideas, and try to stay engaged. With these thoughts in mind what should we expect from our elected leaders?
I am heartened that our region has a relatively young, diverse corps of elected officials. The veteran leaders need to provide guidance to the newest electees on how to craft, propose, and enact legislation. Executive managers like the Mayor, the County Executive, and Governor must set their priorities, which will move forward based on available budgets, political will, and prioritizing the most pressing needs. Everyone in office collaborates with staff members, consultants, lobbyists, and the public at-large. Political leaders rely on receiving helpful input from their constituents. People react well to thoughtful suggestions and ideas. In the past decade, the Tea Party movement and, more recently, the overzealous voices (happily rare in Maryland) have drowned out many people who want to be helpful. Screaming at meetings, belligerent outbursts, and rude behavior shut down meaningful discussions. Polite behavior and waiting for the proper time to speak is a far more effective protocol than acting out.
We expect our leaders to listen carefully to every side of an issue. They should take time to read all the materials on proposed legislation. Once the leader understands the pros and cons of any proposal, then it is time for them to consult with citizens about their thoughts. Town hall type meetings are important forums to discuss initiatives. Many new ideas have been tried in the past. Veteran leaders should provide the background of why something either failed or moved forward years earlier. Leaders need to communicate with each other. Committee hearings are held to dig deeply into the details of proposed legislation. This is the time to modify bills. Keeping the press fully informed helps the public understand what is at stake. Open dialog and regular communications help move legislation forward. When things become secret people get confused and emotional.
Several of our local elected officials publish weekly reports about issues and the progress being made. For those who are interested in the reports, elected officials will gladly add people to their email list. The best internet newsletters are easy to read and include compelling images and helpful graphics. Political leaders attend many public events. Their presence automatically enhances the importance of an event. Recognizing a leader’s attendance at an event is a sign of respect. Speaking of attendance, one of the highest priorities of any elected official is to be present for every legislative session and vote. Leaders who are persistently absent for scheduled meetings are not serving their constituents very well. Good attendance is essential and a fundamental part of the job.
Many years ago, I was lucky to sail in a series of regattas with one of America’s most productive United States Senators, Edward Kennedy. He was an excellent sailor and worked hard to win races. One afternoon after racing I was sitting in the cockpit of a vintage 12 Meter the Senator had chartered. I took the opportunity to ask how things worked in Congress. He squared his shoulders and went right to his political philosophy. Senator Kennedy told me, “Winning only takes place in football and basketball games. That is not how it works in politics. It is all about how you work in the grey areas.” I asked him if he could give me an example. He was passionate as he spoke, “I talk with my colleagues across the aisle and ask what is important and how can I help. A senator from the South will tell me he needs help getting funding to renovate a bridge or assistance getting a product exported from his district. I tell them I will help and then take the opportunity to advance some of my own priorities.” At the time there was a tunnel being built under the City of Boston to improve traffic flow. “I simply ask for support for our big dig project in Boston,” he explained. “We work in the grey areas. You don’t get everything. We compromise and try to get an appropriation for our own legislation.”
In our current political environment, there seems to be little compromise these days. The methods used by Senator Kennedy would work today if elected leaders decided to solve problems. I am always amazed how good things happen when you say nice things about other people. Offering to help the other person sets an example that is appreciated.
Take time to attend a city or county council or even a state legislative session. As you watch the proceeding think about how you might deal with a piece of legislation being discussed if you were sitting in the elected official’s seat. It is easy to throw darts from the shadows but hard to sit in a seat of power and cast a vote. You can never make everyone happy on any issue, but Senator Kennedy explained the best policy is to just keep trying to do the right thing for the people that elected you to serve. That sounds like a good philosophy.
During a time of crisis, it is important that all of us support our elected officials. A few recent local events that come to mind are the Covid-19 pandemic, the shootings at the Capital-Gazette newspaper in 2018, the flooding after Hurricane Isabel in 2003, the tornado that spun a destructive path through Annapolis in 2021. Our leaders were on the scene for each of these tragedies. Support is a two-way street. We expect leaders to be in-charge and make good decisions. Everyone should return the favor and be helpful.
Being a political leader is hard work. It’s a demanding and never-ending task. It can also be immensely rewarding when initiatives become reality. Future generations rarely understand how roads they drive on were built, how airports were improved, or the environment was cleaned up. It is the work by our leaders that get things like this accomplished. Elected leaders are often out of office by the time many important projects are completed. But there is a quiet satisfaction that leaders enjoy knowing they played a part in making something good happen.
Gary Jobson is a world-class sailor, television commentator, author, lecturer, and pre-eminent ambassador for sailing of the United States. He either serves on or has served on the boards of Chesapeake Bay Trust, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Luminis Health, US Sailing, Olympic Sailing Committee, Leukemia Cup Regatta Series, Annapolis Yacht Club, and National Sailing Hall of Fame, among many others.
