Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-10-07
TEXAS DAILY PRESS LEAGUE
Foreign AdyeYiisinr Renresenfatiyaa
Representative Government

Representative Polk Hcrnaday Of Cameron county
expresses the view that in order to properly represent
the sentiment of his constituents they should indical.
e him the opinions they have formed on suggested or
pending legislation.
He suggests that rural community organizations,
luncheon clubs. chambers Of commerce and other or
carnations representative Of the people discuss meas
ures in which Cameron county is interested and indi-
cate 20 him the conclusions they reach.
lie especially desires public opinion on the Sterling
road plan. which promises to become one of the most
important measures before the next session. He sug-
gests that the people fsmiliarize themselves with the
plan, adding that his vote will be guided by their de-
eision. Personally. he favors the plan, but is in doubt
a. to the attitude Of the public he represents.
The suggestion Of the Cameron county representa-
tive should receive the careful consideration Of county
leaders. II they expect Mr.. Hornaday to represent
Cameron county, they should assist in maintaining con-
tact between the people OF the county and their repre-
sentative. The various organizations, especially the
rural community clubs and luncheon clubs. should dis
cuss legislation. proposed or pending. ascertain public
sentiment on measures, and thereby aid Cameron
eounty's representative in representing the sentiment
of his constituents.
Those who have special interests to conserve may
be relied upon TO maintain contact with the legislators.
In fact, every representative and senator is daily
deluged with recommendation and advice from special
interests; but il is rarely that the great mass Of their
constituency offer recommendations or express ap-
proval or disapproval Of measures upon which their
representative must vote. However, they often are prone
70 criticize after his vote has been registered.
Cameron county has numerous organizations which
are IN every respect representative Of the communities
and cities Of the county. These could and should be
utilized for the purpose of securing legislation in which
Cameron county is interested. One Of their major
functions should be discussion of legislative questions
and indicating to the county's representative the opin-
ions of hte communities they serve.
The average individual is generally inclined to shirk
the responsibilities Of representative government, but
is seldom averse to criticizing when hs believes his in
terests are not properly represented. He takes little
or no interest N the work Of the legislature until he
finds something 70 criticize, and having exhausted his
store Of criticism again lapses into an apathetic atti-
tudc.
Inc recommendation Of Representative Hornaday
could very profitably for the taxpayers Of the state.
be extended to include every district in Texas. II the
people Of the state would discuss the various matters
upon which the legislators are called to pass. indicate
10 their representatives public sentiment upon meas
ures and issues, a great Isass Of the unnecessary Iegis.
lation would be eliminated.