EDITORIAL: When the swearing-in ends, the real work begins

Every four years on Jan. 20, at noon in front of the U.S. Capitol, America’s incoming president places his hand on a family Bible to take the oath of office before making an inaugural address. There is no shortage of pomp and circumstance, including an inaugural parade and formal ball surrounding the ritual. The eyes of the world are on the peaceful transfer of power of American presidents. 

Also occurring in December and January each year, without parades or hoopla, in city halls, county courthouses and at our state capitol the newly elected and returning councilors, commissioners and legislators are sworn into office.

Idaho statute for Oath of Office reads, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of (specific office) according to the best of my ability.” 

These are our elected officials, the makers of decisions that most closely impact our day-to-day life in small towns and big cities throughout Idaho. They possess taxing authority for the citizens. They make laws. Most importantly they are our voice in the body in which they serve. 

What isn’t included in the oath of office is a pledge to be responsive to the citizens who placed them in office. Not just the people who voted for them, but all citizens of the city, county or state. Form letters or copied/pasted emails don’t count, or shouldn’t. 

Interaction with our elected officials is a two-way street. We’re fortunate in Idaho to have remarkable access to office holders, from the governor, to legislators and county commissioners, city councilors and school board trustees. The opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions, or ask questions, exists at every level. There are public comments accepted on meeting agendas, workshops, town hall meetings and official email accounts. 

Our responsibility is to communicate any differing point of view clearly, without rancor. No effective communication is possible if the conversation begins with hostility.  

Our elected representatives likewise have a responsibility to be responsive to the citizenry they serve. Responsiveness doesn’t necessarily mean agreement, but clearly communicating why they may take a different view on the topic. 

In 2025 let’s all take an oath to practice civilized communication to the best of our ability.