Legislators represent us all, not just BCRCC

I keep reading the letters critical of Mark Sauter for not just checking the boxes and doing what he was told to do. Instead, he read the bills, assessed the implications, took his constituents’ wishes into consideration and voted.

Do we really want to punish elected officials for taking time to read the bills, think through the issues, and vote their conscience? Do we want the only qualification for elected officials to be that they do what they are told to do?

And, do we want the outside influencers, such as the Nevada-based consultancy with links to the Proud Boys who put Scott Herndon into office to determine now what happens in every single vote? Or do we want a democracy, where elected officials serve all constituents, not just the out-of-state funders and the angriest locals?

I want my elected officials to seek to understand the legislation they vote on. I want them to consider the consequences (both intended and unintended). I want them to know more than I know about proposed legislation, to be a voice, and to do what is right for our county and state.

We are at a dangerous precipice with the pressure and cancel culture we apply to leaders. Our leaders represent all of us, not the BCRCC. They even represent those who didn’t vote for them. That’s how a democracy works for Republicans, Democrats, and independents.

KATHRYN LARSON

Sagle