Why do we even have a Legislature?

To the editor:

I have to wonder why we even bother with having a Legislature. This session resulted in a few rather innocuous bills plus a drawn-out session leading to a compromise bill funding schools and keeping our mental health institutes temporarily funded.

Then Gov. Terry Branstad vetoed these bills after stating that he has his priorities and policies and then must look at reality. It would seem that he should look at reality before he sets his priorities and policies, but I guess he knows more than educators, health care providers and the Legislature. Let me ask one question: What are the governor's priorities in order of importance and how are they reflected in his budgeting philosophy? Priorities that seem to be worthy of consideration, in my opinion, include: K-12 education, secondary education, economic development, clean water/environment, health care, infrastructure, public safety, etc.

You might note that only state issues are listed, which should be first in the list of the governor's priorities. I don't know what the list of Branstad priorities would look like, but I would have to question whether or not the general electorate would concur with it. Efficiency and prudent spending are wonderful objectives and also buzzwords like motherhood and apple pie or corn fritters.

Gordon Taylor

Anamosa