I recently had the opportunity of hearing Greg Mortenson speak about the role of education, and it's limitless positive effects on our world's ills. It was inspiring. He spoke of giving ownership to the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the building of the schools he promised. His success is well documented with statistics that showed a decrease in infant mortality, increased literacy rates and dramatically improved health care.

Within the same week, I was fortunate to attend a workshop, "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" and hear Dr. David Alder, Director of the McClure Center for Public Policy Research. Again, inspiring! I quote from a third grade text, "We the People," "The founders of our constitution designed a republic which specifically gave the people the power of government. The people give power to leaders they elect to represent them, and serve their interests. The representatives are responsible for helping all the people, not just a few."

In light of these two experiences, from two highly respected men, I am perplexed by what has transpired so far in Idaho's 2011 legislative session. I learned that there are two theories on how elected officials vote. One, they mirror the public that elected them, even if they have personal feelings against the legislation. Two, they consider themselves privy to more information than the public may have. They may think they are basically smarter than the general population, hence, they vote the way that they wish. When public testimony is 6/1 against any given bill is passed, and is put into law, it is evident that we elected the later.

I am not alone in feeling unheard and devalued. As an educator, I, too, wish for an answer from Sen. Goedde, Rep. Nonini, Sup. Luna and Gov. Otter. The passage of the bills Mr. Sanford addressed (Sup. Luna's four pillars) has flown in the face of what I have always known, but was reiterated by Mr. Mortenson and Dr. Alder. If you want a quality project, welcome input from the experts, give the power to the person doing the job and work collaboratively.

DIANE RILEY LINK

Dalton Gardens