Elected officials must work for public good

State elections are over, and the people have spoken. The question is, will those elected do the people's business as it says in the civics books?

Each election cycle we keep hoping those elected will work toward the public good, rather than becoming preoccupied with keeping their seat, as some seem to do. They forget it's not "seat time," rather how well they work for the public's interest. Our government is in need of repair. While we want to believe that anyone can run for office, without the big money that now drives the system, the average citizen can't get out of the starting blocks. Maybe the public should start demanding that full campaign disclosure be required immediately after elections. People have the right to know who is pulling the strings of government.

The legislative process often appears to be a charade designed to deceive the public. While the incumbents agree to declare their conflict of interest on a particular issue, they alone determine when that conflict exists. Even when they declare that conflict, they are able to vote on that issue anyway. They also have created their own employment transition program for those who leave office. They are allowed to turn right around and become paid lobbyists, often being hired by the special-interest groups that helped to keep them in the legislative committees they are now retained to lobby. Give the public a break.

Take a look at the issues that concern citizens and then see what gets debated. Except for a few instances, it looks like two for the home team, and 10 for the special interests. Most politicians harp about big government with the latest code words being "transparency" and "accountability." Since the state has a one-party Legislature, there is little opportunity for open debate because there is no friendly opposition to ensure some accountability in our government. The absence of opposition places a greater burden on the party in power to ensure we have an open and accountable government that works in the public's interest. What is most disturbing is to see that the struggle for more power and control sometimes becomes the end game rather than standing up for the public's interest.