The power of bipartisanship
Politics is usually presented in a way that makes us feel we must choose a side. Whether we are comparing parties, beliefs, or ideas, we are constantly barraged with the notion of picking one political system over another. As the 2015 legislative session approaches, I look forward to interacting with the other 99 members of the General Assembly to create the best legislation for Hoosiers. Voters clearly want leaders who listen, learn and compromise.
Bipartisanship comes out of the shared goal to better our state. However, when it comes to improving our state, there are often many different perspectives on how to accomplish this in a way that is best for everyone. Like multiple roads leading to a single destination, our end goal as lawmakers is to create sound public policy that strengthens Indiana for all Hoosiers.
During the upcoming session, I look forward to hearing our chamber filled with respectful debate so we can create insightful solutions. The general public wants to see those that they elected working together. Could you imagine a workplace where any idea that was stated was heavily criticized and condemned? As elected officials, we are called upon to serve, not sneer.
Our recently announced legislative agenda covers four major topics that both sides of the aisle can agree need to be addressed: a balanced biennial budget, education success, ethics, and public safety. No one party has all the answers. Together, we as Hoosiers will find the answers.
Public concern tells us what changes need to be made, and these changes are why we are all here. When discussing public safety, statistics inform us that infant mortality and domestic violence rates must go down, and that those who respond to domestic violence calls need our help. Input from the public tells us education funding needs to be revisited. These are problems that impact all of our constituencies, Republican and Democratic.
As we move forward, all lawmakers need to find ways to strengthen relationships with one another to benefit our communities. Each representative brings a different set of views to the chamber, but we also share similar issues that affect our districts. Through open communication and cooperation, we can formulate new legislation that is both innovative and effective.
Each representative, Republican or Democrat, has been given an opportunity to serve our communities. The best way to do so is by building on our current relationships and sharing our ideas on a platform that is both considerate and united for the betterment of Indiana.
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Rep. Karickhoff represents portions of Howard and Grant counties, most of the city of Kokomo and the towns of Swayzee and Greentown.
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