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Web site invites public to grade NMI lawmakers
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Posted on Dec 11 2008
A lawmaker has started a poll asking the public to grade the performance of each of the members of the Legislature.
House Floor Leader Joseph James N. Camacho posted the poll on his Web site, www.camachocnmi.com, in a bid to gather feedback on the lawmakers’ performance.
“I must mention that I have given much thought if I should even post this poll or not,” Camacho says in a message also appearing on the Web site. “My colleagues at the Legislature might not appreciate being publicly graded. Ultimately, my decision to move forward and post this poll rested on the fundamental belief that, as public officials, we answer to the public.”
He adds, “These feedbacks in the middle of a term can have positive results. If certain legislators get a good grade, please keep up the good work. If certain legislators feel they get a grade that they do not deserve, please re-evaluate what you are doing. Perhaps your message and hard work is not reaching the public, or perhaps you need to work harder and be more responsive to the public. Getting feedback [in] the middle of the term gives legislators a chance to make changes and improvements. There is still time.”
Camacho admits, however, that the online survey has “built-in shortcomings.” For example, people can skew the results by voting more than once. Also, the survey is open to any Internet user, and not limited to voters or residents of the electoral district being represented by a particular legislator.
Camacho also warns about people who, for whatever reason, might try to sabotage the poll by intentionally giving a lawmaker an underserved grade. He says he hopes there will be few such cases.
He urges the poll participants to review the legislation introduced by each senator or representative.
“Read the Standing Committee Reports. Take a look at the voting record. It may be time consuming, but please read through the journals to see the debates and discussion. Make an informed decision. Legislators should get feedback from the public, but it has to be an honest, deserved and informed feedback,” he says.
The poll will run through the end of January 2009, according to Camacho.
