School’s in – and our Legislature needs you

There are some unarguable truths about our state Legislature.

For example, there are not enough women in either the Senate or the House.

There are too many representatives from a small cross section of professions – specifically teachers, lawyers and union representatives.

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And small-business owners, for example, represent but a fraction of lawmakers.

But maybe the biggest problem is that people see the state Legislature not as their government, but as an “Old Boy Network” where the names may change, but things invariably get done based more on who you know, rather than what you know.

There is an overriding perception that what is best for the public at large is too often an afterthought.

What’s real scary is that the ethical clouds now hanging over the Legislature may deter good people from running for public office. It’s hard to argue with someone who says, ‘Why would I want to involve myself in that?’

Gov. Don Carcieri is right to push for a Select Commission on Public Integrity. The ethical bar at the State House needs to be raised. Some suggest that the governor’s proposal is about partisanship – a Republican taking a shot at a General Assembly dominated by Democrats.

Partisan or not, it’s an issue that needs to be addressed – not ignored.

In addressing the issue of ethics during last Tuesday evening’s State of the State address, Carcieri made a good case for taking a proactive approach to raising the standards of behavior in our state government.

“I believe we cannot address this situation piecemeal, with a patch here and a patch there,” he said. “We need a comprehensive, independent review. … I believe most of us in this chamber tonight uphold high ethical standards and serve the people honestly and with great respect. But right now, the people’s confidence and trust has been badly shaken. The revelations of the past months have ignited outrage and cynicism.”

Sometimes outrage and cynicism serve a good purpose. Such emotions can get people excited about getting involved – making a difference.

But after a while, people get tired and turned off.

Let’s hope it’s not too late. Let’s hope they still want to get involved – want to make a difference.

Operation Clean Government, as its title suggests, is all about ethics in government.

As part of the organization’s mission, it sponsors a Candidates School each election year. This year, the school will be in session on March 27 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.

The idea is to provide prospective political candidates – regardless of their party affiliation – a primer on the ins and outs of running for office.

Janice Carlson, a member of Operation Clean Government’s Candidates School Committee, describes the impetus for the school this way: “Political campaigns speak to the very core of our democracy and must engage citizens who care about Rhode Island’s future. Public service is a privilege that should be available to anyone who wants to run for political office, not just the privileged.

“Unfortunately, every election year many seats go unchallenged in the General Assembly and other statewide and local government races. … You can change the culture of Rhode Island politics by running for elective office or supporting someone who is willing to make the leap from complainer to doer.

“Clearly, our best chance to improve the present political climate in Rhode Island is to encourage more and diverse people to run for office.”

Even if you’ve just toyed with the idea of running for office, spending a Saturday in March learning about the process might be worthwhile.

Maybe you will ultimately decide that you are better off on the sidelines. Or maybe you’ll actually give it a go and challenge one of those uncontested seats.

And that would be a good thing.

Our Legislature needs you. Now, more than ever.