In order to gain additional knowledge in regards to my research topic, I asked my mentor, Joel Katz, several questions about his experience in the field of politics. Mr. Katz has been working with members of the House of Representatives for over a decade.
What do you find to be the most difficult or frustrating aspect of working in politics? The lack of civility is the both the most difficult and frustrating part of this job. We should be able to have civil conversations with those we disagree with, but looking at the protests around the country, that no longer seems to be the goal of a portion of the American public.
Do you agree with the electoral college system? Why or why not? I do agree with the electoral college. It more evenly spreads the power and influence of states and makes sure that all states are an important part of our Presidential elections.
Even with new advancements in communication, does our government pass more or less legislation? There should be a distinction made between passing bills and having them signed into law. We in the House of Representatives pass a lot of legislation, however not a lot of it is considered in the Senate. At times, even bipartisan legislation is held up and kept from being signed.
Should our government have a stronger focus on solving social or economic issues? I don’t think we have to choose between one and the other. Shrinking the size of government and empowering individuals will, I believe, help in both those respects.
Should there be a transition in power from one branch to another? Or from one level to another (Federal, State Local)? There should absolutely be a transfer of power from the executive back to the legislative branch. The executive branch has grown far too much over time, putting that power back in the hands of directly elected representatives will lead to more representative government. I also do believe that transferring power from the Federal to the State would be helpful. States are so different from each other, it often times doesn’t make sense to govern them all the same way.
Is the overall quality of leaders that our nation elects increasing, decreasing or staying the same? In many ways there are so many disincentives to getting involved now, that I think that a lot of potential leaders don’t enter public service. The level of civility in elections is nonexistent, but even worse, truth appears to not matter to a large number of candidates. It takes a dedicated and selfless individual to put themselves and their family through that.
What is your position on the two party system? If you dislike it, what would you replace it with? It’s what we have right now. I think that inevitably we will see the rise of more 3rd party candidates, but that will only happen if those individuals and parties decide to take a serious run instead of simply being a protest candidate.
What is your outlook on future American politics? The reason I got involved in politics is to try and make tomorrow better. Although I am a natural pessimist, I have to believe that every day we come to work is to that end. I see tangible results on many smaller issues, if we can turn that momentum into movement on the large issues, I think there’s a real opportunity for positive change.
Would you ever run for president? Why or why not? No. If you ever see my name on a ballot things went wrong. I have no desire to be an elected official, I simply enjoy working to support them and their constituents.
Personal Summary: I find most of Joel responses to be very interesting. Although he has working in his field for over a decade, there are still large elements of the political system that he would prefer to change. Working in politics is both very structured while also being very dynamic. There are rules and procedures that everyone must follow; however, the political environment is always changing. I particularly liked Joel response to the last question on if he would ever run for office. Just from my short time mentoring at the congressman’s office, I know that working in government and holding an elected position are two very different careers.
What do you find to be the most difficult or frustrating aspect of working in politics? The lack of civility is the both the most difficult and frustrating part of this job. We should be able to have civil conversations with those we disagree with, but looking at the protests around the country, that no longer seems to be the goal of a portion of the American public.
Do you agree with the electoral college system? Why or why not? I do agree with the electoral college. It more evenly spreads the power and influence of states and makes sure that all states are an important part of our Presidential elections.
Even with new advancements in communication, does our government pass more or less legislation? There should be a distinction made between passing bills and having them signed into law. We in the House of Representatives pass a lot of legislation, however not a lot of it is considered in the Senate. At times, even bipartisan legislation is held up and kept from being signed.
Should our government have a stronger focus on solving social or economic issues? I don’t think we have to choose between one and the other. Shrinking the size of government and empowering individuals will, I believe, help in both those respects.
Should there be a transition in power from one branch to another? Or from one level to another (Federal, State Local)? There should absolutely be a transfer of power from the executive back to the legislative branch. The executive branch has grown far too much over time, putting that power back in the hands of directly elected representatives will lead to more representative government. I also do believe that transferring power from the Federal to the State would be helpful. States are so different from each other, it often times doesn’t make sense to govern them all the same way.
Is the overall quality of leaders that our nation elects increasing, decreasing or staying the same? In many ways there are so many disincentives to getting involved now, that I think that a lot of potential leaders don’t enter public service. The level of civility in elections is nonexistent, but even worse, truth appears to not matter to a large number of candidates. It takes a dedicated and selfless individual to put themselves and their family through that.
What is your position on the two party system? If you dislike it, what would you replace it with? It’s what we have right now. I think that inevitably we will see the rise of more 3rd party candidates, but that will only happen if those individuals and parties decide to take a serious run instead of simply being a protest candidate.
What is your outlook on future American politics? The reason I got involved in politics is to try and make tomorrow better. Although I am a natural pessimist, I have to believe that every day we come to work is to that end. I see tangible results on many smaller issues, if we can turn that momentum into movement on the large issues, I think there’s a real opportunity for positive change.
Would you ever run for president? Why or why not? No. If you ever see my name on a ballot things went wrong. I have no desire to be an elected official, I simply enjoy working to support them and their constituents.
Personal Summary: I find most of Joel responses to be very interesting. Although he has working in his field for over a decade, there are still large elements of the political system that he would prefer to change. Working in politics is both very structured while also being very dynamic. There are rules and procedures that everyone must follow; however, the political environment is always changing. I particularly liked Joel response to the last question on if he would ever run for office. Just from my short time mentoring at the congressman’s office, I know that working in government and holding an elected position are two very different careers.