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Which path to choose

THURSDAY, AUGUST 02 2012 00:00

IMPOSING new regulations (poor legislation) after new regulations and many more in the pipeline seemed to be the only solution to the commonwealth’s pressing problems. But it’s not.

We have enough laws already. What we need is to implement them. New ones only complicate matters because of their redundancy.  New regulations will just strangle any recovery effort. Until we change the way we treat the legislative and rule-making process, the end result will always be the same: pass, repeal, do, undo, rinse, repeat.

We are facing unprecedented challenges and old rhetoric no longer applies to our problems. Look around at some of our neighboring islands and countries. One economic calamity after the other has struck them, too, but they’re still standing. What is their secret? Isn’t this the best time to find out what they did to achieve recovery and follow suit?

Our leaders must get out from their comfort zones and start visiting their constituents and listen to what they say about their sufferings. Legislation to solve problems is of very little use and not the solution at all. Find the root of the problem and listen to the people. You must gauge how your constituents feel and what their frustrations are. How can you solve a problem if you don’t identify what is causing the problem? Mingle with your constituents and you’ll find out the many challenges they face, day-in and day-out. They don’t expect these problems to be solved overnight as they understand the current situation, but listening to them will help alleviate their burdens. Give them hope, lift them up and listen!

Money is very important but the commonwealth is broke and they understand that. But what is more frustrating is that no one listens to what they say about what they’re going through.

True public servants know that money is not the solution to all of their constituents’ problems. Let’s change the way we care for our people from now on.

I’m not criticizing our leaders. But leaders must have thick skin so they can face every adversity. I admire and respect our elected leaders because the people placed them in those leadership positions. Even in the face of their many failures, leaders are still leaders, but we need true leaders.

Now if you don’t like to read my letter, it is up to you. No hard feelings. I don’t have any intention to offend anyone’s feelings. I am just another concerned citizen who cares.

Thank you.

NOEL M. SORI
Virginia Beach, Virginia