Seems to Me

What we need is a good dose of common sense - not partisan politics

One of Josh Billings’ quotes about common sense that I like is “Common sense is instinct, and enough of it is genius.” He also was quoted as saying, “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.”

But, in the world of today’s politics Horace Greeley may have been more apropos in his description of the term. He said, “Common sense is very uncommon.”

In the world of government we seem to live in a climate soaked by partisan propaganda, each side trying to secure the voter’s loyalty by almost any means possible. They instigate outrage of the basest kind using patriotism, wedge issues and factions of all kinds to solidify their base. It is always “conservative versus liberal” – although conservatism and liberalism have seen quite a metamorphosis over the years. It has been that way at the federal level for many years but, it has also become that way in our state and local races here in Arkansas. Campaigns for office are no longer like they once were. Instead of running a positive campaign for office based on one’s own merits – they run for office based on their opponents’ demerits or on issues that have nothing or very little to do with the office they are seeking. We are forced into making a decision based, not on who is best for the job, but who has the least negatives or is the least offensive.

Our elections, at almost all levels, have become nothing less than a struggle for power. This power struggle is like many wars. There are many casualties and very little progress. There seems to be no end in sight. But there needs to be. We need a good dose of common sense so that progress can be made instead of reaping the stalemate of partisan politics.

Did you know the original founders of the United States opposed the formation of a two-party system for the partisanship they believed it would foster? Their fear was that “politicians” would place more loyalty with the party than for the nation. Seems they may have been correct and it has filtered down into state and local government. I believe true public servants will use common sense and the art of compromise to accomplish what is good for the masses.

Have you noticed that political extremists dominate the radio and TV talk shows even though the majority of voters remain moderate? It’s because the media has simply made a business decision. Controversy increases ratings. That our government and political system is harmed and diminished seems to be of no concern.

Should we accept the extremism we see from both sides as “politics as usual?” Of course we shouldn’t! Democracy survives, even as a republic like we are, on a properly informed citizenry. And that means providing good and honest information – not spin, misinformation, double-talk, sound bites that purposely take things out of context, and out-right lies. And one of the most ingenious and offensive tactics used in recent years is using issues in a race that will not and cannot be addressed by the person seeking that particular office. Why anyone, as the old saying goes, “with one eye and half sense” buys into that type of campaigning is beyond me.

For the good of our country and state we must rise above partisan politics! To do that we must leave our preconceived ideas behind and see things as they really are. Since, in today’s world of politics, things are usually looked at as liberal or conservative let’s look at standard definitions of those philosophies. n Liberalism: A political movement founded on the autonomy and personal freedom of the individual, progress and reform; government by law with the consent of the governed. An economic theory in favor of laissez faire (French meaning “to let people do as they wish”) capitalism and the free market. A 19th century political idea that championed individual rights, civil liberties and private property. Principles, theories or actions that guarantee individual freedoms in society. n Conservatism: A political philosophy that favors tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. The term is derived from Latin, and means to preserve; to protect from harm or loss. It favors limited government involvement with respect to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. It believes in adhering to moral absolutes. It emphasizes respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism and opposition to sudden change.

Because of partisan politics over the past generation or two, these standard definitions scarcely apply to today’s usage of the words. The Democratic Party is referred to as the liberal party and the Republican Party as the conservative party. Yet there are many moderate and conservative Democrats – especially in the South and in some western states. And there are many moderate and liberal Republicans especially in the northern and eastern states.

Seems To Me...

Eddie A. Jones Guest Writer

However, the national political party structures are driven by the far left (liberal) and the far right (conservative) – and that, too seems to filter down to the state parties. It is next to impossible to effectively govern from the extremes. Successful, effective and progressive leaders govern from the middle because that’s where the majority of the populace is. Our trouble and the problem with federal and state government is that many people who run for office are either far left or far right thinkers. That gives rise to partisan politics and a stalemated government. More often than not, the main goal of each party is to increase its own power and influence. The R’s and the D’s see themselves more like natural enemies than a group of patriotic statesmen. Instead of working to dominate and silence the other they should be cooperating and compromising to effectively and progressively move our government forward.

I am a Democrat. But like the vast majority of Arkansas Democrats I am a moderate Democrat – even conservative on moral issues. I’m where most people are in their political thinking. What does that mean? It means I am in the middle. I’m in the area where you can effectively lead and govern. It does not mean I’m straddling the fence – but it does mean that I can find common ground on most issues to help solve a problem.

As food for thought let’s take a look at the words of some influential leaders in this country from years gone by. n The father of our country, George Washington, in a message to American Catholics said, “As mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more able to allow that those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope to see America among the foremost nations

in example of justice and liberality.” n Ralph Waldo Emerson, a writer, minister and the father of American Transcendentalism – an early movement of independent thinking and severing ties to organized political parties said, “We are reformers in spring and summer. In autumn and winter we stand by the old. Reformers in the morning; conservatives at night. Reform is affirmative; conservatism is negative. Conservatism goes for comfort; reform for truth.” n Interesting words from R.H. Fulton included these, “The highest function of conservatism is to keep what progressiveness (liberalism) has accomplished.” The words of Mr. Fulton clearly illustrate that the right levels of conservatism and liberal“Retaining your capacity for reason is common sense.” ism can co-exist and in a natural relationship. What is unnatural in governing is extremism from either spectrum. The idea of common sense in government is solid advice at all levels of government. But, as the general election is upon us and we elect State Representatives and State Senators for the Arkansas General Assembly, let’s hone in on county government and its relationship with state government, especially the state legislature. How do we rise above partisan politics? We start by facing the truth. The answers to county government problems will never be found in liberalism or conservatism. Each side is too limited, committing itself to a constrained approach that refuses to accept possibilities that disagree with their basic ideologies. Common sense tells us that a healthy life embraces both change and tradition – not pitting one against the other. Human nature should approach problems directly for reasonable solutions – not indirectly, as does partisan politics for less meaningful or negative results. County government problems are not solved through party labels but through common sense. Political extremists dominate the talk shows and garner the news headlines even though the majority of voters remain moderate. Moderates combine the finer points of liberalism and conservatism – change and tradition. Neither liberal nor conservative in their own right are bad words or philosophies. Liberalism at its best seeks creative but moderate reform to enhance the lives of people based on reasonable assumptions. This is a good thing. And conservatism, properly applied, preserves what is best from the past and restrains progressive tendencies to a more cautious pace. This is good, too. When we’re sick we take a good dose of the right kind of medicine. Partisan politics, in my estimation, is a sickness that needs a good dose of medicine. As the legislative session starts in January, we must espouse that county government problems and needs do not carry a party label and are not solved by a party label. They are only solved by a good dose of common sense which embraces both change and tradition. “Retaining your capacity for reason is common sense.”

(Eddie Jones, county consultant, of Pocahontas served as Randolph County Treasurer from 1981 until taking the reins as AAC Executive Director in 2007; he retired that post in mid-2010. Readers can reach him at: e.jonesconsulting@gmail.com.)

Above: The Columbia County Courthouse, built in 1852, is the focal point of the town square in Magnolia.

Left: State Rep. David Fielding (District 5) looks through the tax books with Columbia County Tax Collector Cindy Walker. Walker said she has rebound about 10-15 books every year as time and resources have allowed.

State Rep. spends day with Columbia Co.

By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles focusing on state representatives and senators job-shadowing their respective county elected officials.

October is a busy time for tax collectors across the state, but Cindy Walker, Columbia County Tax Collector says the main misconception about the collector’s office is that tax payment time is the only time collectors are busy.

“We are always working on an aspect of the tax collection process whether it be running statements and printing tax books or certifications or closing the books and balancing or mailing delinquent notices,” Walker said. “Another misconception is that some tax payers don’t realize that the vast majority of the payments we collect go to directly to fund our public schools.”

State Rep. David Fielding (District 5) spent one busy October morning job shadowing Walker. It was only days before the Oct. 15 deadline and the office was hustling and bustling as tax payers filtered in and out of the office. The Columbia County Tax Collector’s office is designed to be very similar to a bank with several teller windows.

“It was a new experience to see all that office does on a firsthand base after being on the quorum court for 20 years. I had very little knowledge of what goes on in her office; but was aware of how the tax payers’ money is issued that is collected for the county.”

Fielding was appointed to the Columbia County Quorum Court in 1989 by then-Gov. Bill Clinton. He served 20 years until he then ran for the state representative seat in district 5.

“I think it is very important that our state representatives and senators know how the passage of certain laws will affect county government before they are implemented. Many times laws are passed without the necessary funds to support the law,” Walker said. “I think it would be a great benefit for all state senators and representatives to shadow county officials to get a better understanding of the workings of county government. Those who have experience in a county or municipal office have this understanding.”

Walker is in her fourth term as tax collector and has implemented several new practices and protocols.

Consolidating statements and receipts was one accomplishment staffers of the office raved about. Accepting partial payments has been another benefit for tax payers while the online payments have increased efficiency as well.

“We try to make it as convenient and pleasant as possible for our tax payers,” Walker said. “We greet them with a smile and have found that a little kindness goes a long way.”

Fielding said he was pleased to see county records preserved on film and with the rebinding process that is ongoing in the office.

“Shadowing is a good tool to use to see what all the county office has to do each day,” Fielding said. “It helps to understand county government more when legislative bills come before us.”

Rebinding of the real estate books is a project Walker manages on the side of the normal operations of the office.

The Columbia County Courthouse, built in 1852, is the focal point of the town

State Rep. David Fielding (District 5) looks through the tax books with Columbia County Tax Collector Cindy Walker. Walker said she has rebound about 10-15 books every year as time and resources have allowed. State Rep. David Fielding visits with Columbia County Tax Collector Cindy Walker in her office in the Columbia County Annex in Magnolia. Fielding served on the Columbia County Quorum Court for 20 years before he joined the state legislature.

spends day with Columbia Co. Collector

Jamey Griep, (center) who has worked in the Columbia County Tax Collector’s office since 1983, explains how computers and digital technology have changed the way the county accepts and records tax payments.

“We’re in our third year of this process and we’re averaging about 20 books a year,” Walker said. “These books are very important to our county and I felt it is worth preserving this documentation.”

Walker has rebound books from 1855-1925 currently and all the binding is done on site.

“Shadowing is a great opportunity for all,” Walker said. “Collectors’ main role is to collect the money and educate the public. Many people do not realize that our public schools are funded by property tax and that we also collect for many improvement districts in the county.”

She said her office tries diligently to inform the tax payers about the homestead credit, freezing of taxes and how citizens can pay their current taxes in any amount after the books open in March.

“My role as a legislator is mainly creating and amending state laws as the need arises,” Fielding said. “The most gratifying thing is having the ability to help your constituents.”