It is time to put your priorities, perspectives and pride in order and remember who you work for.
Election to the Legislature is an honor. Many of you had to endure difficult primary races, followed by difficult general election contests. In the end you prevailed. In the end, Republicans prevailed. Nevada Republicans as a whole prevailed to a degree never seen in our lifetimes. This should be a time for rejoicing and planning for our state’s future.
However, since the euphoria of Nov. 4, all we have witnessed is pitiful, shameful intra-party bickering over various leadership roles. It is not only emotionally difficult, but embarrassing and disgusting to be witness to for those who elected you.
Yes, the Republican Party membership is comprised of differing philosophical extremes regarding how best to achieve our party’s ultimate objectives. Your Assembly Republican Caucus is well divided along these lines. It is well-divided because the people in each district elected the individual they best felt would represent them. Obviously, voters throughout the state differ on how best to institute our Republican goals.
Differences in philosophies and opinions, however, are no excuse for elected officials to act like spiteful children. As elected officials and adults:
You do not have to like the people you work with to govern effectively. You can act like an honorable adult.
You do not have to agree with the people you work with to govern effectively. You can act like an honorable adult.
You do not have to win every battle to govern effectively. You can act like an honorable adult.
However, you cannot govern effectively if:
You are unwilling to swallow your pride once in a while….and become a vindictive and vengeful adult.
You draw immovable lines in the sand……and become a vindictive and vengeful adult.
Refuse to negotiate in good faith…..and become a vindictive and vengeful adult.
Your ultimate responsibility is to your constituents. You must put your perspectives in order and realize that not one of you is perfect, nor any particular agenda is 100-percent achievable.
It is time to use this unique, strong Republican voice in the Assembly to unite in agreement to disagree — in a manner that will be to the best interests of Nevada.
As has been proven too many times in the past, as Republicans — divided we will fall. United we can do so much. Let’s not waste this unique opportunity the voters of this state have given you.
Govern wisely and, hopefully, Nevada voters will be astute enough to send you who do back to the Legislature in 2017!
Think about it…..
Nancy Dallas is editor/publisher of Newsdesk. The website is www.ndbynd.com
