Working Together

For many years, I have spoken about what can be accomplished when individual egos, partisan interests and private issues are put aside for the greater good. While individuals will always have their own interests and concerns, the ability to compromise and work together to reach a common and collective goal is progressive and laudable.

I hope that I, as one of your elected officials, have shown that same commitment. The ability to work together benefits all of our communities, our region and our Commonwealth. As elected officials, we should all make good on our promises to work together with you for a better community. 

One of my biggest frustrations in the General Assembly is that, far too often, we do not work together. That applies to the administration too. As a case in point, the Governor made several proposals related to community and economic development programs in the Commonwealth as part of his budget address in March. Throughout Secretary Walker’s confirmation process and the subsequent budget hearings, we were assured that the proposal and the process through which they developed the legislation would be open and that we would be part of that process. I did not make that request because I wanted to put more work on my plate, but because as Democratic Chairman of the Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee, I have the opportunity to talk with businesses, developers, economic development professionals who have valid thoughts and concerns about the programs that are under discussion. As part of the process, I have the ability to give those thoughts and concerns voice.

I look forward to having the opportunity to work together with this administration so that we can improve upon the vision we all have for the future of this Commonwealth. Being open to working with others will allow our Commonwealth to accomplish great things. I am hopeful that we can all come to the table, putting aside our individual egos, partisan interest and private issues to pass a budget that addresses the health, safety and welfare of our residents and continues to build upon those programs and efforts that work. 

We have heard a lot about ways to make the Commonwealth better—and more competitive. I am reminded of this quote from an unknown source that speaks to that opportunity: “If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.”