We have the best form of government in the world, but we can't neglect it. We must continually look for new ways to improve what we have. In 2010, the citizens of North Dakota will continue to identify the Legislative Assembly as the major institution for public policy making and oversight. Our commitment to the legislative institution will preserve an accessible, productive citizen legislature. A Healthy Blend of Faith and Skepticism Public confidence results from personal connections by citizens to the Legislative Assembly.
Citizens hope that problems can be solved in the legislative process.
Today, many people feel disconnected from their legislators and other public officials. They think our public processes sometimes fail to address important issues. They feel that they can't have an impact on what the legislature does or that the legislative process is run by special interests and lobbyists. These perceptions, whether true or not, result in public cynicism or citizen feelings that they are heard only when they organize into large groups and angrily protest policy decisions. Cynicism is distinguished from skepticism.