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Yes, it does matter
who leads Senate

Does it matter who heads the state Senate? Contrary to what some might believe, leadership "style" can and often does influence substance. It can be the difference between bringing people together or setting them against each other. It can be the difference between getting things done and getting nothing done.

I have been accused of not providing direction and leadership to counter Governor Lingle and the Republicans. This came from those members of the Senate who enlisted the help of Republicans to pass a divisive resolution on the last day of session.

I have been a Democrat for all of my adult life. I along with other Democrats fought hard to get a Democratic governor into office in the last gubernatorial election. After Linda Lingle was elected, I debated the issues and held my ground when I felt that the administration's positions or actions went counter to Democratic goals and principles -- just as I've always done with our Republican counterparts in the Senate and the House of Representatives. But I've tried to do so with honesty and with a healthy respect for the other side.

During the legislative session following the gubernatorial election, we got a sample of how contentious things could get between local Democrats and Republicans. Frankly, the session could have been more productive than it was. But it required all of us, including the governor, to better understand the role of compromise and cooperation between the two parties -- clearly something that was relatively new to all of us.

I am Democrat, but I'm also an elected official for my district and representative for all of the people of Hawaii. Despite the very political nature of the environment, issues are not just pawns in a battle for political power. You do not go after power for its own sake -- the issues be damned. Or worse, use issues of major consequence to the people we serve to further one's own personal agenda. Rather, political power allows you to deal with issues and resolve problems. And that is the only legitimate value of political power. A good solution is a good solution, no matter whose idea it is. A fair compromise is better than no solution at all.

My critics want me to provide a "formed response" to the administration and Republicans. In short, to be more partisan and counter what the Republicans are saying or offering. I believe that it's more important to deal with issues and find solutions, rather than attack or subvert your opponent's actions. It means showing leadership by bringing people together -- even from differing political persuasions. It is easy to be divisive and to blame the other "party" for all the ills of society. It makes for great headlines. It is hard to work with others with whom you strongly disagree for the sake of a greater good. It is harder to share the credit with your opponents and believe that voters will see the value of that kind of leadership.

That, however, is exactly the kind of leadership that the people of Hawaii have a right to expect. But it takes a willingness to risk the very thing we are discussing -- power -- to achieve goals that are much more important. At this point in time, I believe the majority of the Senate agrees with me.

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