Don't Be Afraid to Ask

How many of us remember asking a question in school?  How about at a meeting with lots of people?  Or asking a difficult question during a church meeting?  We wish that we could ask these things on a one to one basis.  No one wants to look uninformed or feel foolish for asking a question when others might already think the answer is clear.
Someone asked me a question today about an issue that could (and probably will) come up in our state legislature.  This question had to do with an issue that won't effect many people directly.  But it will effect everyone in some way through either more taxes or more laws (if we take the conventional approach to the problem).  The best way for me to give the answer was to ask this person a few questions so that they could already be thinking about some of the solutions.  I told a few stories about similar situations that also helped the person pick and choose between some of the solutions put forward by other people.  Then, after narrowing the possibilities down, it was easier for her to see the obvious answer.  It was also easier for her to see some of the difficulties (but not impossibilities) in achieving the goal.
I do not think it is hard for anyone to talk to me, but I only took notice that real questions from people have come more in the one to one visits.  Several have talked to me at the office, on the street, on the phone, emails or at their door.  If you have a question that you did not want to ask in front of a group of people please call or email or message me.  I will be happy to answer.  My thinking is that if I am a public servant in any way then I better be ready to talk to and explain to my bosses (you the voter) the reasoning and actions for any issue.  The best teachers I ever had said there is no such thing as a dumb question and they were always willing to explain so that anyone could understand.  I always appreciated that.  The best educators and leaders don't dictate with force, they gently help people to understand and guide them into thinking for themselves.  Like today's chance meeting.
Political campaign stuff can't answer everything.  Many times in the past I thought I knew where a candidate stood on something but really did not know for sure.  Or worse I was surprised to find out later how they acted.  If you aren't sure about something, ask me.