Legislator-civility column struck a chord
Let me share some of my perspective. It is an honor to serve in the Legislature. I know my colleagues feel the same way. We realize our friends, neighbors and constituents put trust in us to serve with integrity. And we hope they realize we can't satisfy every person in our districts, but we try to debate and vote with respect for the process and for the state. But sometimes we may take for granted the great responsibility that has been given to us by the public.
In an article in the Deseret Morning News (Feb. 17), Bob Bernick Jr. shared his thoughts about some bad legislative behavior. Referring to comments directed at the media during a committee meeting, he wrote, "Unfortunately, over the 25 years I've covered the Legislature such bashing-matches are happening more and more. Leaders are doing nothing to stop it; in fact, sometimes they seem to fuel the attacks. Civility is not the legislators' strong suit." This quote struck me not only because I'm a legislator but because I am also one of the leaders about which he is writing.
Civility is showing courtesy or being polite to another person. We all know that in our world there is not much civility anywhere. More and more people are expecting more of others and giving less of themselves. It is as though we are driven by having the last word.
I've always appreciated what President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said about civility. "Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of going the extra mile."
In a much earlier time, President George Washington wrote a book about the rules of civility. Two of those rules seem particularly applicable to our present discussion: Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present, and show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
I regret that sometimes, as legislators, we get so involved in the work at the Capitol that we take our responsibilities for granted. Because there are so many people who want to talk with us and need our help, we begin to think we are more important than we really are. Sometimes we forget that if we weren't legislators, nobody would care who we are, and in fact, most people don't now.
I don't always agree with what Bernick has to say, and he knows that. But this time I have to thank him for the wake-up call. As leaders in the Legislature, it is time for us to lead and help legislators in the House and Senate develop a greater respect for their positions and for the people we serve. Consider that my pledge.
Jeff Alexander, a Republican from Provo, is the majority leader in the Utah House of Representatives.
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