Hall calls for "forging solutions that benefit us all"
COMMENTARY
By Frank Hall (D-69th) VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Hall

To many, what I am about to suggest may sound odd coming from someone who has held elective office for over 30 years. But the fact is, I have become increasingly concerned about special interest groups. There seems to be no end to the growing influence of wellfinanced, highly-motivated special interest groups. They take no prisoners. And their "my way or the highway" approach poses a serious threat to the way we do business in Virginia.

Of course, special interest groups are only successful if they convince office holders to do their bidding. So at the state level, if there is acquiescence to these interests over the people's interest, my colleagues and I in the General Assembly are the ones voters should hold accountable.

In recent months, Virginia has received numerous accolades - from "Most Business Friendly" to "Best Managed." In fact, one national publication congratulated Virginia's children because those born here are "most likely to succeed."

These accomplishments are neither flukes nor accidents; they are the result of years of bipartisan work, as many of us have labored to build a robust business climate and enhance our quality of life. And while we can take pride in what we have achieved, we should resist the temptation to boast and hold off on those pats on the back.

Why? Because our healthy business climate and quality of life are in jeopardy. International entanglements and a sagging national economy are of no help, but Virginia's greatest threat comes from within - an ever increasing willingness by some elected officials as well as special interest groups to identify divisive social issues, give them far greater priority than fundamental public policy concerns such as safety, education, transportation, etc., and then demonize any who dare to differ on these issues. In short, the ranks of the General Assembly's "sensible center," those individuals - whether they be Democrats or Republicans - who could and would put partisanship to the side in the interests of forging sound public policy have steadily declined in recent years.

This dynamic of reasoned debate and wellconsidered compromise yielding ground to shrill bickering and partisan stalemates is ironic considering the current political environment. Dismay over the war in Iraq, fear of terrorism here at home, an economy in the doldrums, and failure to make meaningful progress on pressing domestic concerns such as an aging national infrastructure, health care, etc. - all of these have caused citizens to throw up their hands in frustration and disgust.

The last thing constituents want to see and hear from their elected representatives is more partisan finger pointing or passing the blame. The old saying may be true: all this talk may be cheap. But for our inaction, we are about to pay a very high price - a permanent erosion in the people's faith in representative government.

Thus the question becomes, can we deliver what our constituents want - bipartisan cooperation in an effort to achieve the common good? Sadly, the answer to date is "no."

In Virginia, while we have been preoccupied with issues that are fundamentally private matters, we have failed to address adequately the legitimate responsibilities of government. For example, in 2004, the General Assembly brought the workings of state government to near crisis because of its inability to reach agreement on a budget. In 2006, the legislature proved unable to resolve the most pressing issue of the day - transportation. Earlier this year, with November elections and justifiably angry voters looming large, the General Assembly managed to pass a transportation package - hurriedly drafted, including far-ranging, untested policies with unintended consequences, some of which we are starting to discover, many of which remain unknown. Does anyone truly believe this resembles a solution to the transportation crisis?

A legislative body works best when it consists of individuals of good will who recognize their differences - political as well as regional - and yet are willing to work together to hammer out viable compromises that address the needs of all Virginians. Earlier this week, I hope the voters elected to the House and Senate men and women who are dedicated to a core set of public policy principles that transcend partisan politics.

One of these principles must be an abiding commitment to the long-term, financial stability of the commonwealth. This financial stability is the foundation on which a healthy business climate is rooted. In turn, this climate creates jobs, fosters hope and provides our citizens with a reason to stay in Virginia rather than seek opportunity elsewhere.

To this end, I call on Republicans, Democrats, Independents and all other individuals involved in the development of our public policies to eschew the easy way out - demagoguery on divisive issues - and instead take the high road and the harder path, working together to pass common sense measures that enhance our collective quality of life as Virginians.

Virginia ranks first, so say many respected publications. That is well and good, but if we want to keep it that way, we'll have to work harder at it, all of us, together.