Conflict, stress part of job

Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, and I held our first town hall meeting. (Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, was ill.)

It’s fun to engage in conversation with local constituents regarding their concerns. But these meetings can also create some frustration and confusion. Some in the group sought additional tax relief, while others were adamant that additional funds be provided to the University of Idaho for its capital needs. These conflicting demands are often the conundrum that I as a legislator – for that matter, all legislators – confront. One can’t represent both points of view.

Even though I desire to represent my constituents, at some point, I have to fall to one side of the issue or the other based upon my best judgment.

My lesson of the week is statesmanship and constituents’ best interest versus politics of the moment. Both create stress and angst among legislators. This week I worked with House leadership to secure passage of a bill (out of committee to the House floor) with a do-pass recommendation. The bill would ensure that urban renewal districts would not cause an increase in taxes. My efforts were in direct opposition to some other related bills by a House colleague. Angst.

It’s likely that I’ll oppose a proposed bill (by my seatmate) that would lower speed limits for cars and raise it for trucks; e-mails to me opposing this proposal are significant. More angst.

I’m a member of the Change in Employee Compensation Committee and receive more e-mail on this subject than any other. Some of the stories are heartbreaking and some e-mails take on an angry, almost nasty tone. Angst, again.

I expect at least two compensation proposals to come forward this afternoon, and I have been asked to support both. Clearly, we must develop a proposal that will be market-driven to ensure competitive wages and efficient department operations. I suspect that this upcoming debate is where I’ll practice my lesson of the week once again. Best wishes till next time.