MORRISVILLE – A friend asked me what it took to be a good legislator. I thought for a minute then shared my opinion.
The statehouse on any given day is filled with passionate, sometimes emotionally charged people who come to share their sentiments with lawmakers. They have driven to Montpelier, sometimes on treacherous roads to pitch their position. One time, the cause of the day is universal primary care, the next it is lake and pond advocates wanting to make sure legislators understand how deadly phosphorous is to our lakes. The next day there are animal rights advocates. The list goes on and on.
The right to make your claim, to voice your opinion is something never to take for granted. In some parts of the world people would be locked up or worse for expressing their beliefs. Here we welcome it, and we encourage it.
To be sure, there are times when those who visit to share their opinions are filled with anger and such raw emotion that they can become somewhat combative and hostile, even if you agree with them, or if you only ask questions to explore their position.
A good friend counseled me years ago to put aside any personal feelings I may have when listening to others, because it would cloud my capacity to hear and understand what is being conveyed. This friend said I must harness my passion to advocate for causes I believed in and had to work as hard as possible to listen deeply to others if I wanted to learn. Several times this year as people were uncivil, I caught myself and pushed back any defensive reactions.
As a member of the budget-writing committee, I have to ask hard questions to unearth cost-cutting strategies, if I want to redirect spending in a tax revenue-neutral environment. In other words, if we intend to hold the line on new taxes then different approaches must be explored. As I try to do this, I am sure the department commissioners who believe strongly in their budgets feel under attack.
The trick to doing this work is to be a good listener and ask questions in the spirit of kindness with sensitivity. I am reminded of the book entitled “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” In other words, if you want to be a good legislator, be kind.
David Yacavone represents the Lamoille-Washington Vermont House District, including Morristown, Worcester, Elmore, Woodbury and parts of Stowe.
Rep. David Yacavone
