How Representative Government Should Work

Our public servants work for us, especially the ones that we elect. And I think they should act like it.

Think of the best doctor or best nurse you've ever had. They're kind. They're effective. They explain what they're doing. They make sure you know what your choices are. They obviously care about you.

Think about the worst doctor or nurse you've ever had. They're cold. They might also be effective, but they do their work quickly, without explaining, without you knowing what your choices are. They're uncaring, only interested in getting their work done and moving on to the next patient.

What a difference having a doctor explain what is going on in simple terms can make in your healthcare. Sometimes the doctor has to tell you something you don't want to hear, but if they do it clearly, with kindness and respect, it goes a long way.

My favorite doctors and nurses are pediatricians, because every one of them so obviously loves their job and the people they work with and work for. I mean, it's kinda hard not to love kids, right? Especially when they're sick and vulnerable and really need some help.

I think this analogy applies to just about every field — the people who love what they do and who they do it for are going to make a bigger difference than the people who do it for other reasons: power, money, status, or "its just a job."

And while those can be good motivators, I don't think they're good incentives.

The best incentive to do anything is love.

That's what I want from my elected officials. I want elected officials who love me, who love my neighbors, who love their constituents (even the ones who disagree with them), who understand what they're going through, who love the media and the role they play in transparency and accountability, who love their colleagues on both sides of the aisle, who love the places they represent, who love honesty and clear communication (instead of talking like their constituents couldn't possibly understand [we can]), who love data, but love hearing about people's actual lived experiences more than data, who love everything about civics, who love to serve.

You might think I've been rewatching Parks and Recreation again, and you'd be right. But that's merely a coincidence.

That's why I voted for Quinn Mecham as my city councilor. He so obviously loves Orem, but he also loves local government and all the amazing opportunities it provides for those that live in the city.

It's also why I smile every time I hear something about Mayor Mamdani of New York. At every turn, he seems to exude joy, compassion, and love for the people and city he serves. He doesn't think they're stupid or ignorant; on the contrary, he treats them as incredibly capable, talented partners in making his city amazing.

Here are a few recent posts from Mayor Mamdani that illustrate the love this man has for his city.

I want that for all my representatives.

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