Letter to the editor: Lawmakers should learn from elections, listen to voters

The results of the elections last week show some interesting things. People were not happy with the direction the Republican leadership tried to take the state. Both constitutional amendments lost. That should tell the new legislative leaders not to try to amend our Constitution over irrelevant issues. Legislators should look toward solving problems in ways other than “all or nothing attitudes” and begin to work together for the common good.

Congratulations to Andrea Kieffer for being re-elected and to JoAnn Ward and Susan Kent for their elections. Please understand that none of you, nor either party, has a mandate. Look for ways to solve problems, not make points with certain groups. Neither the marriage amendment nor the voter ID amendment indicate that people want to change either of the laws that are affected. Don’t repeat the mistakes made by the previous legislators. Leave both issues alone. Look for solutions to problems that really exist. So far, there is no indication of voter fraud - no surprise - anywhere. We also don’t need to change the recognition of marriage. Our current law is fine.

One last point, please, do not blindly follow the party leaders. We all want representatives that think about the good of all their constituents. Legislation by confrontation never works for long and only creates problems for others to correct.

One critical issue that needs to be addressed. Pay back the $2 billion owed to our children’s schools.

John Shirts - Woodbury

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion, updates