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Show Hingkley Journal of Politics 2006 time running out and other bills to consider, the Speaker did not recognize him. Thus, the bill died. There are several lessons I have drawn from this experience. First, as a policymaker it's important to look for opportunities to find answers that build consensus rather than extend divisiveness. This is not always possible, but when it is, it is preferable. Too frequently we can be drawn into the politics of polarization. Second, work with others to achieve a common goal. The trust and mutual respect among City Council members made it possible to coalesce around this solution. Third, in politics it is important to think ahead and even better if you can look around the corners. Our actions were constantly in the context of what others were doing or might do, whether the Mayor, the Legislature, or the courts. Most important, I am proud to have been part of taking on a controversial issue and finding a way to forge a workable solution in a way that is totally without precedent. We also took off the table a potentially divisive community issue. Working together, the City Council plowed new ground. By changing lenses, we found a way to provide fairer, equal, and inclusive health insurance coverage for all city employees. The city employee who shares a household with a sibling, parent, or long-term roommate is as deserving as one in a committed relationship to receive the same kind of health care coverage that's available to married couples. Now this is possible. References Anderson, Ross C. (2006, February 21). Statement of Objections. Anti-gay bias ordinance has a short life. (1998, January 14). Deseret Morning News. Buhler, Dave, Jill Remington Love, and Eric Jergensen. (2006, January 21). Council's plan is fairer, more inclusive. The Salt Lake Tribune. City Council crafts its own benefit plan.(2006, January 10). Deseret Morning News. Jill Remington Love's Motion. (2006, February 24). The Salt Lake Tribune. Rocky pushes for gay benefits. (2005, August 5). The Salt Lake Tribune. Rocky signs partner-benefits order. (2005, September 22). Deseret Morning News. Rocky's benefits plan lacks support. (2005, September 26). Deseret Morning News. SL Council bans gay bias-for now. (1997, December 10). Deseret Morning News Dave Buhler is currently the Chair of the Salt Lake City Council. Elected to the Council in 1999 and re-elected in 2003, he represents District 6. He served one term in the Utah State Senate, 1995-1999. A graduate of the University of Utab with a B.S. in Political Science and a B.S. in History, he also has an M.RA. from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University. He has been an adjunct for the University of Utah Department of Political Science since 1990, and is an Associate Commissioner of Higher Education. 89 |
